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GEORGE NEWS - South Africa continues to experience alarming levels of domestic and gender-based violence affecting women, children and men.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5578 women were murdered, and over 35% of women over 18 reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse.
Children were also victims, with more than 1650 killed during the same period and many more assaulted or neglected.
Men also experience domestic abuse, though at a lower prevalence, and interpartner violence occurs in relationships regardless of gender.
Reported cases of rape, domestic violence and assault number in the tens of thousands annually, while advocacy groups warn that many incidents remain unreported.
In an interview with George Herald, Nicolette Buitendag, Famsa’s director, and Selome Bennie, a social worker, explain that gender-based violence is an umbrella term encompassing domestic abuse, interpartner violence, child abuse and workplace abuse.
Red flags
Abuse often begins with verbal, emotional or psychological tactics such as insults, humiliation, isolation or excessive jealousy. These behaviours aim to establish control and often escalate into physical or sexual violence.
Experts describe the cycle of abuse as starting with a honeymoon phase, followed by a tension-building phase, and then an explosion phase, which is again followed by reconciliation.
The cycle repeats and intensifies over time. Subtle forms of abuse, including gaslighting, financial manipulation and restrictions on religious practice, are also common.
Here to help - the George Famsa team: Nosikhumbuzo Gumenge, Human Coetsee, Yoliswa Mbebe, Selome Bennie, Lizl Lombard, Marinda Cilliers, Nicolette Buitendag, Anzel Heunis, Veronique Pietersen, Georgina Sekelanie, Miranda van Niekerk, Yvonne van Niekerk and Lydia Chitekwe. Photo: Supplied
Early intervention is critical
Early intervention is critical for all victims, regardless of gender. Famsa advises that victims should speak up to trusted neighbours, the police or organisations such as itself, the Thuthuzela Care Centre at George Hospital, or George Mediclinic’s emergency services.
Support should prioritise listening, believing and helping victims regain confidence. Simply telling victims to leave is dangerous, as the period before or after doing so is often the most critical.
Community members, educators and professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse. Schools are mandated to report abuse and have school social workers who render specialised social work services in the school setting.
Reach out
Shield GBV Response & Safeguarding is a community safeguarding initiative that provides early-response guidance and referral support primarily within the Garden Route area. Their confidential WhatsApp support line (+27 78 252 8046) offers guidance on options and connects individuals with appropriate services such as the police, social workers, legal support and counselling when needed.
Shield also runs awareness talks and safeguarding workshops in schools, churches and organisations, helping communities recognise abuse, respond safely when someone discloses harm, and strengthen safeguarding practices.
While the main focus is the Garden Route, individuals from other areas sometimes contact the support line for guidance and referrals as well.
Video: Watch to learn the key red flags to look out for and how victims can seek help.
Additional key resources for victims include:
- Famsa: 044 874 5811
- Thuthuzela Care Centre, George Hospital
- George Mediclinic emergency services
- Stop Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150
- George Child & Family Welfare: 044 874 0424
- Badisa George (child protection and family support): 044 874 5013
- ACVV George (child protection and family support): 044 874 2030
- Local police stations for immediate reporting.
Addressing domestic and gender-based violence requires awareness, early intervention and community co-ordination. While prevalence is highest against women and children, men are also affected.
Every step taken to seek help can break the cycle of domestic and gender-based violence and give hope to survivors of all genders and ages
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