- The Mitchells Plain Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) has opened to address gender-based violence, with 21 out of 30 initial cases involving children.
- The TCC offers comprehensive support services, including trauma care, protection orders, and medical assistance.
- The centre is a collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society, aiming to provide a safe haven for victims.
Of the close to 30 cases referred to the Mitchells Plain ThuThuzela Care Centre (TCC) since its opening in early July, 21 cases were children.
And while the need for another TCC should be cause for concern, it is this concern that sees the collective efforts of the private sector, civil society, government and organisations in the fight against gender-based violence with the launch of the 65th national TCC in Mitchells Plain on Monday 19 August by deputy minister for justice, Andries Nel, and other dignitaries.
According to the most recent crime statistics released by police for the fourth quarter of 2023-’24 the Mitchells Plain Police Station ranks in the overall top 30 of the total sexual crimes reported.
With 15 824 sexual offences cases reported in this quarter, just over 12 000 were rape cases. But this, officials say, is largely inaccurate, with thousands of cases going unreported across the country.
GBV a concern
According to a report by StatsSA, at least one in five women experience physical violence by a partner.
In acknowledging this, provincial minster for health and wellness, Mireille Wenger, says the rate at which women are killed by their intimate partners is five times the global average.
“GBV is an everyday part of life for too many women and girls and children in our communities,” she says.
National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi says partnerships will enable victims of GBV in Mitchells Plain to access assistance at the site.
Nel says looking at data, the majority of rape cases take place in the victim’s home or a home known to them.
“These crimes are perpetrated by someone they know, which adds to the complexity and trauma involved and underscores the importance of the excellent support provided by TCCs,” says Nel.
Based at the Mitchells Plain District Hospital, it is the 10th in the province and the second in the provincial department of health and wellness’ Klipfontein Mitchells Plain Substructure (KMPSS) and will operate on a 24-hour basis.
Consolidated help
A Thuthuzela Care Centre is a one-centre approach to gender-based violence – including rape, sexual assualt and domestic violence. Capacitated by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in partnership with police, departments of health and social development it also has the assistance of first reponders through organisations.
The Mitchells Plain TCC is made possible by and capacitated by Nacosa, Mosaic as first responders and is also supported by the Clicks Helping Hand Trust and two local Spar branches.
The centre offers victims an opportunity to make their statements to police, apply for protection orders, access trauma services, referrals to long-term treatments, post exposure prophylaxis, access to doctors and forensic nurses and assistance in seeking justice and prosecution.
Assistance closer to home
With the Heideveld TCC already having been capacitated by the Mitchells Plain District Hospital, hospital CEO Dr Evan Swart says the centre being opened at the hospital will bring respite not only to the hospital staff, but also to victims who can access the full basket of services needed in one place. “The TCC was always envisioned as being part of the hospital. The Mitchells Plain hospital currently oversees the TCC in Heideveld so we were working together, but we always knew there was a big part missing for Mitchells Plain specfically,” he told TygerBurger.
Nel says while travelling was a large part of the reason Mitchells Plain locals were not reporting or accessing assistance, especially at night is coupled by the additional logistical constraints.
The Heideveld TCC prosecutions happen at Wynberg court, where as Mitchells Plain cases go to Mitchells Plain court, Nel explained.
Rochelle Philander, director of Safeline Child Abuse Treatement and Prevention Centre says they see many cases of children who do not report these crimes.
she told TygerBurger.
“The TCCs create a safe haven and safety net for children when they need to disclose. This is the best thing that could have happened to Mitchells Plain. We have had many cases of children who come after a very long time that something has happened but they don’t want to report it. Here we can come and empower parents and the community that there is a place they can go to able to service them in a dignified way.”
Caroline Peters, a community worker who spoke at the event says while we should “hang our heads in shame” for opening another TCC, it does go a long way in dealing with the high instances of GBV in a positive and impactful way.
Sandy Schuter, Community Policing Forum chair of Strandfontein has walked a long journey in having seen the centre realised. She hopes the centre will be a “symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more just community for all.”
“Your dedication to providing comprehensive support services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence in these communities is truly inspiring. We wish you continued success in your mission to heal, empower, and uplift victims of violence,” she says.
