UPDATE: National GBV Command Call Centre Lockdown Report

The implementation of lockdowns has been a measure used across the globe as a means to curb the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact on public healthcare systems. The implementation of the various alert lockdown levels by the National Government has made access to support services for women experiencing gender-based violence more challenging.  

The table below provides the total number of gender-based violence cases the National GBV Command Call-Centre referred to the Provincial Department of Social Development in the Western Cape during the National Lockdown.

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “During these unprecedented times, Government’s obligation to promote and protect women’s human rights becomes all the more important.”

Victims and survivors of gender-based violence who generally lack support from their communities and face potential secondary victimization when reporting instances of gender-based violence face the additional risk of being accused of violating lockdown restrictions when they come forward to complain.

Furthermore, stretched policing resources focused on policing the national lockdown ultimately means that GBV cases are even less likely to be prioritised. In many cases, the limited functionality of courts will inhibit women’s access to protection orders to guard themselves against further abuse.  

Minister Fernandez added, “For the larger part of the COVID-19 pandemic, women all over South Arica are constrained to their homes, the provincial Department of Social Development has had to establish measures so that victims of gender-based violence are able to access the necessary support services.”

Minister Fernandez continued, “As a department we will continue to work tirelessly to improve the services we deliver to victims of gender-based violence.”

What support is available for victims of abuse during the lockdown:

The Department's Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), renders services to victims of crime and violence, through the provision of shelter services and psychosocial support.

1. Five shelters have been identified as Stage 1 shelters to admit at-risk victims of crime and violence. This will happen following a referral from a social worker with safety risk assessment, or a SAPS referral.
2. After the initial 14 days, clients will be transferred from a Stage 1 shelter to a Stage 2 shelter with the assistance of SAPS.

Stage 2 shelter accommodation

1. After the initial 14 days, victims will be transferred to a stage 2 shelter.
2. Stage 2 shelters may not admit new intakes directly except new victims who are referred by stage 1 shelters and have completed their 14-day stay. 
3. The Provincial Department of Health assists with medical screening and medical needs of victims.

Funded Social Service organisations

1. All social workers of funded social service organisations are on stand-by to provide psychosocial support services to victims of crime and violence.
2. Psychosocial support continues at Thuthuzela Care Centres.

“Together, we can give women who have been victims of abuse a voice,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

Should you suspect any incidences of abuse and/or human trafficking, you may also report it by contacting:

• Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement: 082 903 8739
• Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428
• Email: SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za
• Police: 10111
• Childline: 0861 322 322
• South African National Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777
• Child Welfare SA: 0861 424 453