As the country commemorates Women’s Month, South African citizens, especially women, are
encouraged to help stop the scourge of violence against women by speaking out.
Government also called on faith based organisations (FBOs), including traditional leaders, community
leaders and women’s organisations, to stand up against violence, drug abuse and other social ills, 365
days of the year.
In supporting the fight against abuse, government has initiated a number of interventions aimed at
helping survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). These include the Gender-Based Violence
Command Centre (GBVCC) and National Dialogues for No Violence against Women and Children,
amongst others.
Launched in March 2014, the command centre is a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support
and counselling to victims.
The toll free number to call to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling is 0800 428 428
(0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them
by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone
The National Dialogues for No Violence against Women and Children are a platform for deepening
democracy, while ensuring safer and crime-free communities, especially for women and children.
The objective of the dialogues is to assist the Department of Women and government to best understand
the nature and causes of the scourge of femicide, rape and violence against women and children in
order to inform government’s response and course of action.
The national dialogues have already been rolled out in the provinces as part of the #365 Days of Activism
for No Violence against Women and Children.
During the month, the Minister for Women in the Presidency, will visit and engage with various
stakeholders including FBOs, gender activists, NGOs, youth formations, traditional leaders and the
business sector to create awareness on issues of GBV.
The visits and engagements with communities and stakeholders will be used to solicit partnerships for
the fight against GBV.
For the full article kindly visit: httpss://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/silence-not-golden