The Western Cape Government is committed to ending the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) 365 days a year.
As the lead minister for GBV in the province, Social Development Minister Sharna Fernandez believes it is important to raise awareness of the issue wherever she goes.
Addressing the Drakenstein Municipality’s Men’s Gender-Based Violence Dialogue and march in Wellington on Saturday 22 April, she said: “Government is limited in its resources when it comes to addressing social ills such as gender-based violence. We cannot do it on our own. It is so important for communities to work with us as we raise awareness to ensure an end to the violent cycle of abuse, and support victims and survivors in the best way possible. Collaborations between different government spheres, NGOs and the private sector are also crucial.”
On the day of the dialogue and march residents and municipal officials, despite the rain and cold, marched down Wellington’s streets in support of those affected by violence or abuse, while raising awareness about support services that are available for these individuals.
The municipality said: “The objective of this programme is to increase the available service provisioning and to raise community awareness of services for survivors as well as perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse.
“Our communities are negatively affected by the high and increasing rates of gender-based violence in society.”
Ward councillor Rita Andreas said this event is one of various GBV awareness campaigns the municipality’s Gender Forum is initiating, as it wants to reach as many residents as possible in the 33 wards in Drakenstein.
This is a 365-day campaign in line with provincial government’s focus.
The programme included an interactive play on domestic abuse with a clear message: “Silence promotes violence,” encouraging the audience to speak up against abuse when they see it happening.
Fernandez also shared the WCG’s “Break The Cycle” video and an interactive information session took place, facilitated by the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s Community Outreach Officer, Colleen Ryan.
The video is part of government’s GBV prevention media campaign, which has been broadcast on multiple platforms, including radio and television, following the journey of a man who was exposed to violence and abuse in his home as a child. Recognising that he’s about to repeat the cycle with his own family, he seeks help.
Fernandez told residents: “I commend you for being here today. That shows a commitment to effecting change in your communities. All it takes is one voice to spread a message and to influence others to do better. Be ethical disruptors, if you see a man or woman inflicting pain on someone else, step in and stop it.”
For anyone in need of assistance, such as counselling, services can be accessed by visiting one’s nearest DSD office. Services can also be accessed by calling the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
More information on services for victims of GBV can be found on helpformen.co.za.
