According to statistics for July to September 2021, 9,556 women were raped, a 7% increase from the previous period. In the three months, 13,000 cases of domestic violence were reported, and child murders increased by a third.
Seugnette van Wyngaard, head of 1st for Women Insurance, a financial sponsor of Tears, said: “Government’s goal is to eradicate GBV and femicide by 2030, but we are already on the back foot.
“While we wait for action and accountability to protect our women from the GBV pandemic, we need to do what we can to support the activists and advocacy groups who work tirelessly to assist victims and survivors of GBV in SA.”
According to the insurance company, a number of advocacy groups are working hard to ensure the 2030 goal is achieved by holding government accountable for the promises and commitments made.
“This is important, especially when the theme for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is moving from awareness to accountability. However, while civil society lobbies for change and action, violence against women and children continues, unabated, and increases over the December festive season,” the company said.
NPO assisting survivors shares ways for victims to safely escape abuse
Last year the Tears Foundation received nearly 43,000 calls for help regarding gender-based violence over the festive season, and this year looks to be just as dire.
The Tears foundation is an NPO assistance and support network for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Tears founder and CEO Mara Glennie said over the festive season last year they were inundated with 42,962 calls for help for gender-based violence (GBV), which was a 57% increase from November 2020 and a 117% increase from October 2020.
“Most calls the Tears Foundation received over the festive season were related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Each survivor’s experience and healing process is different, and for some people, the holiday period may be an especially tough time.”
According to statistics for July to September 2021, 9,556 women were raped, a 7% increase from the previous period. In the three months, 13,000 cases of domestic violence were reported, and child murders increased by a third.
Seugnette van Wyngaard, head of 1st for Women Insurance, a financial sponsor of Tears, said: “Government’s goal is to eradicate GBV and femicide by 2030, but we are already on the back foot.
“While we wait for action and accountability to protect our women from the GBV pandemic, we need to do what we can to support the activists and advocacy groups who work tirelessly to assist victims and survivors of GBV in SA.”
According to the insurance company, a number of advocacy groups are working hard to ensure the 2030 goal is achieved by holding government accountable for the promises and commitments made.
“This is important, especially when the theme for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is moving from awareness to accountability. However, while civil society lobbies for change and action, violence against women and children continues, unabated, and increases over the December festive season,” the company said.
Glennie said: “Simple safety tips, self-care strategies and the support of loved ones can sometimes make all the difference.”
Tears Foundation’s advice to victims of GBV:
Tears is available every day, at any time of the day. For help dial *134*7355# and/or emergency, press 2 and follow the prompts. A first responder will contact you. This service is free 24/7. They can be contacted on 010-590-5920 (standard rates apply) or e-mail info@tears.co.za.
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