Delft VEP Forum & GBV Ambassadors Launch

In a first for the Cape Metro, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) has launched a Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) Forum and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassadors model in Delft.

These initiatives follow a robust imbizo held in Delft in April, in which Department officials engaged with residents and stakeholders to find community-led solutions to prevent and combat GBV in Delft.

The launch of a transversal VEP Forum, a GBV Help Desk, and a GBV Ambassadors model in Delft is part of the Department’s commitment to expanding GBV services in the area.

“The hard work of DSD staff in Delft has led to today’s launch. It is also thanks to the invaluable input and commitment from residents and stakeholders who are working with the Department in implementing solutions to address the scourge of GBV. It is only through partnerships with the community, NGOs, and all government spheres that we can make any difference in preventing and facing head on violence against women, children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and men,” says provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, also attended the launch: “This is the only province that saw a double-digit decrease in the murder rate in the last quarter. We had a 14.1% reduction in the murder rate, the highest decrease in the entire country.  This decrease is possible because of partnerships and co-operation, it’s not just one entity alone, but communities are getting involved, with the SAPS, every department in the Western Cape Government, together with safety groups. We are all playing a role, just like today.”

The VEP Forum will meet for the first time in August. It brings together representatives from different community organisations, like the Delft Seniors Forum and Delft Neighbourhood Watch, NGOs like the Trauma Centre, Safeline, and Molo Songololo, other government entities like the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the Department of Health and Wellness’ Violence Prevention Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the South African Police Service, so that violence prevention and victim support services are streamlined in Delft.

The 25 GBV Ambassadors – who are trained volunteers from the community – will provide information about victim support programmes and services available for the intervention and prevention of GBV to residents in Delft. The only other programme like this in the province is in the Swartland Municipality.

Newly inducted GBV ambassador, Soeraya Davids: “I decided to become a GBV ambassador because our community is crying out for help, so I just wanted to do my part. My hope is that all these initiatives will have stakeholders working together for the good of Delft.”

We are hopeful Delft will be a shining example of what effective collaborations can achieve. Instead of focusing on how great the problem of GBV is, residents have taken ownership of their community, working with government, and stakeholders to come up with solutions.

For anyone in need of assistance, like counselling, services can be accessed by visiting your nearest DSD office, or by contacting one of our funded NPO partners. Services can also be accessed by calling the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428. More information about services can be found on helpformen.co.za.