Break the violence, stop the silence

GEORGE NEWS - As the country gears up for the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, statistics paint a stark picture. More than 120 000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) have been recorded by the government-run GBV command centre during the national lockdown.

According to government statistics, a woman is killed every three hours in South Africa, and worldwide, our country has the highest rate of rape cases.

According to the latest quarterly crime statistics released by police minister Bheki Cele on Friday 19 November, 89 cases of sexual assault have been reported by the four police stations in the area (George, Pacaltsdorp, Conville and Thembalethu) between July and September this year. Of these, 62 were rape cases.

The 16 Days campaign is a United Nations drive that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Between January and October this year, the Thuthuzela Care Centre in George assisted 149 child victims of sexual offences and 93 adults. A total of 64 convicted sexual offenders were sentenced in the same time frame.

1. GBV and socio-economic class

The report, Crimes against women in South Africa, an analysis of the phenomenon of GBV and femicide, states the prevalence of physical violence was greater among less educated women than those with secondary education or higher.

However, while the prevalence of physical and sexual violence decreases as the wealth quintile increases, wealthier women and children are not immune to GBV.

2. Take a stand on social media

Raise the topic, discuss difficult issues, connect with like-minded people, and share posts from activists and organisations. Unite in solidarity with women who have experienced GBV.

3. Sexist jokes are not funny

Sexism is any act, word or image based on the idea that a person is inferior because of their gender. It is harmful because it produces feelings of worthlessness and enforces the stereotype that men are better than women. Don't laugh at the jokes… don't even smile!

4. There's more legal protection for women and children

The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, Domestic Violence Amendment Bill and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill have been approved and should soon be signed into law.

5. Listen to the activists

Thandiwe McCloy of People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa), says everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they are treated with love, respect, dignity and kindness. "We believe and hear you. It's important to remember that life is better without the abuse, no matter how alone you may feel. If you would like to chat to a counsellor, call us on 011 642 4345/6, send an e-mail to counselling@powa.co.za or send a direct message to our Facebook: POWA, Twitter: @POWA_ZA or Instagram: @powa_za pages."

6. Power through unity

Every possible law and policy in South Africa prohibits discrimination and violence. "We should no longer accept inequality and violence as the norm. We should form women's solidarity circles to confront and expel abusers from our homes, workplaces and communities," says activist Bernedette Muthien.

7. Contribute what you can

Support a GBV or women empowerment NPO. If you cannot afford a cash donation, find out what goods they need or volunteer your time. Support their fundraising events.

8. Socialise your children correctly

Let your son help cook and your daughter mow the lawn and make sure your partner is on board. It's important to socialise your children to know that boys are not better than girls; they are equal. Children need to be raised in non-violent households where abuse is not tolerated. In this way, they are less likely to normalise abuse and stay in abusive relationships when they are older. Relationships within the home affect every relationship outside the home.

9. Survivors and perpetrators

The vast majority of survivors are women and girls, some are LGBTQI+ people, a minority are boys and men. Perpetrators are mainly heterosexual men, says Muthien.

10. I think someone I know is being abused

First and foremost, believe the person. Listen with compassion and do not judge. Offer practical support, such as accompanying the person to the police station. Share the GBV number, so that they can call to get help. The GBV command centre says a person can report a case on someone else's behalf. Call 0800 428 428.

11. Help is available

Victims can stay with friends or family and they can obtain a protection order from court. They can also go to Famsa or to the nearest police station for help, or contact Phambili Refuge centre office on 044 875 1551, or the Thuthuzela Care Centre on 044 802 4429.

During the pandemic, Thuthuzela also established a WhatsApp victim empowerment line where a victim can reach out, ask questions, get information and book sessions with counsellors. Make use of this line on 060 870 3210.

There are many ways we can also help the court to ensure that the abuse does not happen. If cases keep on being retracted, there will be no end to the abuse.