Domestic violence over festive season, here’s where to get help!

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Abused Women and Children has previously reported larger numbers than usual of survivors needing legal assistance and free counselling over the holiday period.

The reason why? Domestic violence is driven by over indulgence in alcohol and drugs, and substance abuse is one of the biggest drivers of gender based violence.

If you experienced domestic violence over this period, you remain at risk, so it is incredibly important to get help as soon as possible.

Substance abuse coupled with family conflict or other relationship problems, financial pressures and close quarter living makes women even more vulnerable to domestic violence.

If this all sounds familiar and you survived domestic violence over the holiday period, it is likely to continue.

Save these emergency numbers to your phone which can be dialled immediately. These organizations attend to any matters requiring rescue. Including (but not limited to) domestic violence, sexual assault, fire, crime, and accidents.

Emergency numbers

SAPS: 10111/ 086 00 10111

GBV Helpline: 0800 150 150

Childline: 08000 55 555 or 116

SAPS Crime Stop: 086 00 10111

GBV: 0800 428 428

Fire department: 10178

Ambulance Services: 10177

ER24: 084124

Netcare 911: 082911

AA Lenasia South: Gonnie – 082 376 5511/ Vijay – 082 826 4031

Lenasia Extension 9’s SANCA Nishtara: 011 854 5988, 011 852 2176 or WhatsApp 065 558 5439. Please note that SANCA Nishtara’s numbers are accessible during working hours and not on public holidays.

Note: Gender-Based Violence applies to all genders, not just one, so please be mindful.

Source: For Women