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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Countrywide, gender-based violence increased dramatically during the national lockdown. Within the first three weeks of the lockdown, 120 000 cases of GBV were recorded.
For this reason, the Department of Public Works and the Independent Development Trust asked the George-based humanitarian non-profit organisation, God Cares International, to initiate an awareness programme addressing the issues of GBV pertaining to the lockdown and restrictions.
The programme ran from August until November last year.
According to the founder of God Cares, Debbie Pijoos, this enabled them to do a comprehensive door-to-door survey within various communities in George, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay, Melkhoutfontein, Oudtshoorn, Uniondale and Albertinia.
During this period an estimated 10 625 households where visited and interviews conducted, after which a comprehensive report was compiled. The outcome of the report was presented at a function in George on Thursday 25 November.
"Our prime objective is to decrease the mortality rate of gender-based violence victims in South Africa and to bring restoration in the family structure. Our organisation has been actively involved in the 16 Days of Activism campaign for the past 17 years," said Pijoos.
The survey
The survey showed that male and female respondents resolved issues differently, although both males and females were affected by GBV. Of the 10 625 respondents interviewed, 7 383 adults have been affected by GBV.
The survey also showed the alarming impact GBV has on children. Alongside the 7 383 adult respondents affected, there were 11 643 children under the age of 18 who were also affected. This means that for every one adult interviewed, 1,5 children were affected.
In some cases, the issues with the aggressor were completely resolved, while others made use of family intervention or walked out. 17,2% of females opened criminal cases, but 8,4% of these were withdrawn.
The four main reasons for victims withdrawing criminal charges were that the aggressor was the breadwinner, love for the aggressor, the victim being threatened and, in some cases, issues were resolved.
During the survey it was also found that of the five main contributors to GBV, substance abuse was the highest at 41%, followed by jealousy (17%), poverty or financial abuse (14%), physical abuse (12%) and GBV due to a third party (7%).
Members of the God Cares team and speakers are, from left: Debbie Pijoos (founder), Len Kok (psychologist), Afrika Mhloppe (pastor, TV host, author and speaker), Matthew Bellas (IT and app developer), Mzimkulu Gusha (director: Expanded Public Works Programme) and Ethal Potgieter (master of ceremonies). Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Assistance
"A total of 92% of the respondents knew what GBV is and 75% of the respondents were directly affected by GBV. Sadly, 40% of the respondents do not know where they can find assistance within their communities. It is important that communities receive sufficient education or interventions in this regard," said Pijoos. "While some issues can be resolved internally, others need to be dealt with in court.
"Unfortunately, many victims withdraw their complaints," she said.
World first GBV app
During the presentation, an IT developer involved with God Cares, Matthew Bellas, introduced a brand-new app to assist victims of GBV. The GBV response app is the first of its kind in the world. The app is not live yet and will soon be launched.
"Although there are many apps for victims of abuse, this is the first of its kind that focuses on GBV. South Africa is under the top five countries in the world for GBV and one in five is due to intimate partner violence. 10 000 rape cases were reported within 90 days. With this app we are hoping to improve these shocking statistics," said Bellas.
For assistance regarding GBV or GBV intervention services offered by God Cares, please contact God Cares on 072 301 9767 or send and e-mail to debbie@godcares.org.za.
Not only women, but men too were among the attendees. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
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