The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) launched its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador model in Grabouw last Tuesday (6 August).
This is the third model of its kind launched in the province, as part of the department’s commitment to supporting victims of GBV.
The 13 GBV ambassadors – who are trained volunteers from the community – will provide information about victim-support programmes and services available for the intervention and prevention of GBV to residents in Grabouw. They comprise members of the Grabouw Community Policing Forum (CPF), community members and safety parents.
DSD has worked with the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Overberg District and Theewaterskloof Municipality, DSD’s partner NGO Glen Elgin Community Organisation (GECO), the local CPF and the police to develop this programme.
The National Prosecuting Authority and another DSD NGO partner hosted workshops to train the volunteers on various topics – GBV awareness and support services, child protection, substance-abuse prevention and treatment, and how to fill in referral forms. DSD and GECO also provided trauma counselling for those who needed it and will continue providing support.
GBV ambassador Christina Kaptein said: “Many women suffer from violence and abuse, the elderly, and even men. I’ve made it my duty to support those who are vulnerable and those who cannot stand up for themselves. I want to stand up for them, be a voice for them and help them.”
“It is very important that any member of the community who becomes aware of an incident or pattern of gender-based violence immediately inform the police,” said Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais in an address at the event. “It is the only way to overcome this scourge. If we all work together we can beat crime in the Western Cape.”
Provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said: “DSD’s GBV Ambassador programmes are a perfect example of how an active citizenry can assist in building social cohesion and improving the well-being of the community.
“When government works with community members and partners such as GECO, SAPS, the CPF, and the municipality we can make a real difference. We also cannot be in every home or every street.
‘These ambassadors play a crucial role in ensuring GBV victims know that there is support available for them and they may be more willing to seek help when they hear about it from someone in the community. Thank you to the ambassadors for volunteering their time to an amazing cause.”
The first GBV ambassador model was launched in Swartland Municipality in 2022 and continues to be a sustainable and functional model with its 11 volunteers. The Delft GBV Ambassador programme – which was launched in 2023 with 25 volunteers – has successfully expanded to 49 trained volunteers.
- For information on DSD services, call the toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development office. Alternatively, visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.
