The shadow pandemic – Don’t be a victim, break the silence!
The shadow pandemic – Don’t be a victim, break the silence!
Gender-based violence during lockdown in South Africa
As the COVID-19 pandemic ran rampant in our society, a second pandemic of domestic violence filled the homes of innocent women. Learn more about gender-based violence cases during lockdown in
South Africa and the proactive steps you can take to ensure your and your loved
one’s safety.
Domestic violence takes a toll on many of our friends, colleagues and family on a frighteningly regular basis. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forced to live in more secluded and isolated environments, which has had a direct effect on domestic violence. We have had less access to help and have been more exposed to abusive environments that could have been avoided more regularly in the past, pre-coronavirus.
According to the Africa Health Organisation, 51% of women in South Africa have experienced gender-based violence, with 76% of men saying they’ve committed gender-based violence at least one stage in their lives.
A rise in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 health crisis has sparked a global effort to act against this atrocity. Victims of gender-based violence are not receiving the appropriate service, support and treatment, resulting in an upsurge in incident rates.
Living with your abuser
Under lockdown, we all found ourselves confined in our homes, which proved to be harder than we all could have anticipated. Isolated from help, many were subjected to beatings and endless abuse, with no one to hear their cries and offer a helping hand. Victims also experienced mental, emotional and sexual abuse. In the first week of lockdown alone, the GBV (Gender-Based Violence) Command Centre received 2300 calls, with many victims out of reach of service providers and trapped in quarantine with their abusers.
Look out for the SMS you will receive when you join.
2.
You MUST save this to speed dial.
3.
In an emergency, press the allocated button on your phone, and a crisis manager will call you within 30 seconds.
16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign
This is a United Nations campaign, supported by our South African government, which takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December to raise awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse against women and children. It is aimed to empower women to protect themselves against violence and to encourage women and children to report incidents of rape, assault and psychological harm.
How to play your part to curb GBV
Reject and report abusers. Act and don’t look away
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In South Africa, a woman loses her life to violence every six hours by her intimate partner, a stark reminder of the deep-seated crisis of gender-based violence (GBV). These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent lives cut short, families shattered, and communities left to mourn. As we approach 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, equip yourself and your community with knowledge of the rights and support available to break the cycle of abuse.
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