Social Development urges communities to report abuse as GBV Command Centre records significant increase in calls

The Department of Social Development has recorded a significant increase in gender-based violence (GBV)-related calls to its 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC), amid heightened public attention on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Preliminary statistics reveal that between 1 and 16 September this year, the GBV Command Centre received 6 782 calls, averaging 424 calls per day. This represents a 21 percent increase compared with the same period in August, when the Centre recorded an average of 350 calls per day.

A significant increase in calls was recorded between 13 and 16 September, when daily calls rose to approximately 500, compared with an average of 399 calls per day during the first 12 days of September. On 16 September, the Command Centre received 589 calls, the highest daily number recorded during the period under review.

The increase comes as the country remains deeply concerned about the escalating levels of violence against women and the fear experienced by women across communities. This concern has been particularly pronounced in the Ekurhuleni District in Gauteng Province, following reports that approximately nine women have been found dead in the district since last week. These incidents have further intensified calls for urgent and coordinated action to address GBVF.

While the preliminary figures indicate increased demand for the GBV Command Centre's services, further monitoring and analysis are required to determine whether this represents a sustained trend in GBV-related incidents and calls for assistance.

Gender-based violence remains a societal challenge that requires all sectors of society, including government departments, the private sector, partners and stakeholders to work together in the fight against this scourge.

The Department urges communities to report incidents of gender-based violence, speak out against abuse and actively share the GBV Command Centre's contact details with family members, friends and neighbours. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that survivors know where to seek help and that no one suffers in silence.

The public is encouraged to take an active role in addressing GBVF in their homes, places of worship, communities and workplaces. This includes challenging cultures, attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender inequality and the abuse of vulnerable women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, both at personal and societal level.

Members of the public can report GBV incidents and access support by contacting the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428. The GBV Command Centre can also be reached by sending a PLEASE CALL ME to 1207867#, SMSing "HELP" to 31531, or contacting Skype: Helpme GBV, where professional social workers are available to provide assistance.

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