Local gender experts and activists expect a steep rise in the number of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases during the 21-day national lockdown declared by government in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Such violence is not new. Gender-based violence in South Africa is unprecedented. According to the latest gender-based violence research, one in four women will experience violence by men and are five times more likely to be killed. A woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa.
In
response, Vodacom, in partnership with the Department of Social
Development (DSD), has for some time been operating a GVB Command
Centre, run by highly qualified social workers to provide support to
victims of abuse and violence during this
time.
Takalani Netshitenzhe, chief officer for corporate affairs at Vodacom Group, said: “For us at Vodacom, we view violence against women as a violation of human rights and the greatest impediment towards gender equality. This issue is a social ill of our time that has started reversing the strides made in gender equality since the dawning of our democracy 25 years ago.
“This is why in March 2014, Vodacom and the Department of Social Development Department worked together to launch the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre. This is part of our social contract to help government through the use of cutting edge technology stem the tide of gender violence in our country.”
To help upgrade the Command Center with the latest technology and extend service to a wider market, in December 2016, the network provider together with DSD launched a Skype capability at the GBV call centre to give access to the victims of gender-based violence from the deaf community. As this is an Internet-based system, it can also be accessed by anybody with access to the internet.
The call centre receives an alarming average of 22000 calls per month, which paints a bleak picture of a society. These calls result in tele-counseling at the centre and some calls, based on the severity of the case, are referred to the community-based social workers and the South African Police Service.
Vodacom has issued an appeal to anyone who may need support during this time to contact the GBV Command Centre by dialling 0800 428 428 or via USSD on *120*7867#. A Skype line ‘HelpMeGBV’ is for members of the Deaf Community. An SMS-based line ‘31531’ will also assist people with disabilities (SMS Help to 31531).
“We’d like to appeal to South African men to become change agents and play an active role in ridding our society of gender violence,” said Netshitenzhe. “Gender-based violence requires men to stand up, call out, and address the violent and aggressive behaviour that many women face every day. For this to happen, men need to be the champions in the fight against women abuse and femicide, while shining a light on those perpetrators who continue to abuse women and children without fear or consequence.”
