UPDATE: Gender Based Violence Command Centre Statistics for the Western Cape

The number of cases referred to the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) by the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) is a serious cause for concern. It illustrates that crime and violence remain a barrier to many citizens of the Western Cape living a safe and dignified life.

Despite the best efforts of the Western Cape Government as well as civil society organizations to address crime and violence, these remain challenges that impact on all residents’ well-being.  The impacts, which can be physical, emotional, social and economic, are experienced not only by the victims themselves, but by their families and communities.

“While you have to consider your own personal safety, the culture of turning a blind eye to abuse happening in our midst must stop.

As community members, we all have a role to play to support victims of crime and violence. We can contact the police or even take the victim to the police station to get help. Your intervention could save a life,” said the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

The table below provides the GBVC Statistics for the Western Cape referred to the Provincial Department of Social Development during the period 01 April 2021  – 31 March  2022. Please see attachment for more information.

*The statistics sighted above represent the number of tickets/files opened on the GBV Command Centre Information System

* The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) also receives referrals for GBV cases from the SAPS, Thuthuzela Centres, the NGO sector and walk-ins to DSD local offices, which are not represented in the table above.

“The challenge we face is much bigger than we want to admit, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot address it. If we all unite, we can address the scourge of crime and violence against our women, children and the elderly,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

Who can get help?

Anyone who has suffered physical, mental or emotional harm, including the economic loss or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights, through crime or violence.

The DSD’s Victim Empowerment Programme, supported by funded NGOs in the Western Cape, offers a variety of services which include:

·         emotional and practical support,

·         management of trauma, 

·         identification of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress,

·         referrals to professional services where necessary,

·         provision of court support services during the criminal justice process,

·         promoting the rights and responsibilities of clients through advocacy,

·         ensuring that clients are aware of their rights,

·         preventing ongoing victimisation and provision of a shelter service.

A shelter is a place where victims of crime and violence are able to live for a period of one day up to approximately three months depending on the needs of the victims.

The shelter assists with meeting basic needs such as:

• providing a safe place to live,
• providing protection, food and clothing,
• providing emotional support services such as trauma debriefing and therapeutic counselling,
• providing information on developing skills, victim’s rights and capacity building,
• support in preparation for court procedures,
• programmes focused on alleged perpetrators and gender-based violence prevention programmes.

A shelter for victims of crime and violence does not provide statutory services to children, therefore shelters cannot accommodate children without their parents/ legal guardians.

Where to go for Help?

• Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*7867#
• National Shelter Movement (24-hour line): 0800 001 005 
• Police: 10111
• The Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777
• Department of Social Development Toll-Free line: 0800 220 250
• Department of Social Development Email: GBV365DAYS@westerncape.gov.za 
• SASSA 0800 60 10 11
• Childline: 116