16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 2015

Violence in our society is often the symptom of deeper social problems. Together, we need to stand up against violence especially against women and children. 

The International 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses on generating an increased awareness on the negative impact of violence and abuse has on women and children, and on society. The campaign is commemorated from 25 November to 10 December every year, and this year’s theme for our provincial campaign is “Safety starts with your family”. 

Our communities and the local police stations are active partners in ensuring local safety and security. The goal is to bring about effective crime prevention by implementing intelligence-driven, crime-prevention projects in partnership with the local Community Police Forums.  

Why is this campaign important?

The rights of women and children are fundamental human rights protected by our national Constitution. Gender-based and child violence, in all its different forms, devalues human dignity and the self-worth of the abused person and must be stopped in our society. The campaign can only succeed if we stand together to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse.

What is abuse?

Abuse is any form of harm which can include when someone is:

• hurting your body physically or sexually,
• insulting you, or threatens you with violence,
• harassing you sexually,
• humiliating and degrading you at home or in public,
• controlling how you use your money, 
• preventing you getting or keeping a job, or to see friends or relatives,
• stalking you, by following you or visits you without your permission, 
• harming your health or wellbeing, or 
• monitoring your phone calls and telling you where you can and can’t go.

What is the purpose of the campaign?

The campaign aims to:

• generate an increased level of awareness among all South Africans about the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children,
• stand up to perpetrators of these offences to change their behaviour,
• enhance and increase partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, and the media in an effort to spread the message,
• raise funds for NGOs that provide invaluable support to the victims and survivors of violence,
• provide survivors with information on these services and organisations that can help reduce the impact of violence on their lives,
• engage actively with men and boys in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, our communities and in the workplace, and
• highlight the stories of survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse, and the impact that the campaign has had on their lives.

How can I support this campaign?

You’re encouraged to wear a white ribbon during the 16-day period: A white ribbon is a symbol of peace and symbolises the commitment of the wearer to never commit or condone violence against women and children.

Other ways you can support the campaign:

Volunteer some of your time and energy in support of a non-governmental organisation or community group working in your area to help abused women and children. Use your life skills and knowledge to help support victims of abuse.

Speak out against woman and child abuse. 

• Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help.
• Report child abuse to the police.
• Encourage children to report bullying to teachers or the school principal.
• Encourage men and boys to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour. 

Seek help if you’re emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner or children. 

Encourage and talk to friends, relatives and colleagues to take a stand against abuse of women and children. 

Join the Western Cape Government by participating in the various events and activities planned for the campaigns:

• Western Cape Department of Community Safety events.
• Western Cape Department of Social Development events.

Visit the Department of Community Safety's website to find out more about their 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Spread the message on social media using #16Days2015.

Join community policing forums (CPFs): The community and the local police stations are active partners in ensuring local safety and security. The goal of the CPFs is to bring about effective crime prevention by launching intelligence-driven crime prevention projects in partnership with local communities. For more information on how to join, contact your local police station.

Take part in InZync’s 16 Days of Activism poetry series at Open House on Long Street on 1 and 3 December. This project is presented in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of the Premier, and aims to engage our citizens in new and exciting ways on the theme of activism against women and children abuse.

The co-ordinator for this event is Aeysha Augustus:
Tel: +27 (0)21 483 4618
E-mail: aeysha.augustus@westerncape.gov.za

For more information on this project, please contact Pieter Odendaal at +27 (0)73 156 2852 or Adrian van Wyk at +27 (0)79 198 8095.

Where to go for help

You can phone the following organisations to report women and child abuse:

• Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
• Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453)
• SAPS: 08600 10111
• Childline:  08000 55 555
• Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250.
• LifeLine 24-hour counselling helpline: 021 461 1111
• Find out more about our safety services for women and children by sending a sms with the word INFO to 35 395.
• Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust counselling lines:
  • Observatory:    021 447 9762
  • Athlone:            021 633 9229
  • Khayelitsha:     021 361 9085

• Witness protection: If you’re a witness and are afraid for your safety for reasons linked to being a witness, you can apply for witness protection. Contact the Witness Protection Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at +27 (0)12 845 6000.

These organisations can also offer support and assistance: