The Department of Social Development is urging communities to report gender-based violence as its 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) records a sharp increase in calls. Between 1 and 16 September, the centre received 6 782 calls, averaging 424 calls a day. This is a 21% increase compared with August, when an average of 350 calls were recorded daily. Calls increased further between 13 and 16 September, reaching about 500 a day. On 16 September, the centre received 589 calls, the highest daily figure recorded during the period.
The increase comes amid growing concern over violence against women and femicide across the country. Concern has also intensified in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, following reports that about nine women have been found dead in the district since last week. The department said the figures are preliminary and further monitoring is needed to establish whether the increase represents a sustained trend in GBV-related calls and requests for assistance. Social Development said addressing GBV requires cooperation between government, communities, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Communities are encouraged to speak out against abuse and share the GBV Command Centre’s contact details with family, friends and neighbours. The department also called on people to challenge attitudes and practices that contribute to gender inequality and the abuse of women, children, older people and people with disabilities.
The GBV Command Centre is available 24 hours a day on 0800 428 428. People can also send a PLEASE CALL ME to 1207867#, SMS “HELP” to 31531, or contact Skype: Helpme GBV for assistance from professional social workers.
