Stop Gender-based Violence

Men who have been abused are far more likely to become abusive. Stop the cycle. It can end with you. 

Watch our informative videos on Help For Men here. 

Be proud of yourself for taking the steps to stop GBV. Every effort counts.

Gender-based violence (GBV) has plagued our country for generations. By visiting this site, you have taken the first, and brave step in doing your part in stopping the cycle of abuse and are helping to create a healthier, safer environment for you and your family.

Trauma debriefing
You can access trauma debriefing and other counselling services and other psychosocial support by visiting your nearest provincial Department of Social Development office. To locate your nearest DSD office, click here or call 0800 220 250.

Family preservation
The Department of Social Development partners with NGOs to provide the following services: individual, couple and family counselling; marriage preparation and enrichment; and support for families in crisis. For more information, click here.

Fatherhood programmes
You can get access to fatherhood education and training programmes and services that promote positive involvement in families as well as positive male role modelling by clicking here.

Youth
In a bid to assist youth who may have been affected by GBV, the Department of Community Safety funds the Chrysalis Academy who offers a three-month holistic leadership development programme for young people from disadvantaged communities throughout the Western Cape. For more information click here. 

In schools
If you are a learner experiencing abuse, and/or need advice or counselling support, you can call the Western Cape Education Department’s Safe Schools toll free hotline on 0800 45 46 47.

Medical care
If you have experienced sexual violence, you can visit a Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical assistance, as well as counselling support, and assistance with the legal process, should you choose to follow that route. For a list of Thuthuzela Care Centres, click here.

Men’s Health Centre
The Department of Health has established a Men’s Health Centre at the Karl Bremmer hospital which provides a basket of services to men and boys aged 15 and older. For more information, click here.

Directory of Services
You can also refer to the Western Cape Directory of Services for Victims of Crime and Violence.

Why should I get help if I’ve experienced abuse?

There are many causes of gender-based violence, as this is a very complex issue. But among the root causes is having experienced or being exposed to violence from an early age. Some children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes and communities. Some are abused by people in positions of trust, such as teachers, religious leaders, family members and coaches.

A lot of children, particularly boys, never disclose abuse and therefore are never helped to address their trauma or to adequately express their emotions. Some of these boys grow up and they repeat the cycle of abuse and violence.

This is why it is important for boys and men to seek help as soon as they can.

How can men be part of the solution to ending gender-based violence?
We need to rethink gender norms, and educate our children about positive behaviours from an early age. Men can be positive role models to young boys and other men inside of their homes, communities, workplaces and in social settings.

Men and boys can help create an environment that is supportive and safe for a peer, family member, child or colleague to disclose that they need help. Share information about helplines and resources they can access the help they need.

What is Gender-based Violence?
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed at an individual based on his or her biological sex or gender identity. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.

Why do we talk about GBV?
Gender-based violence is an issue faced by people all over our province, country, and the world. Women are disproportionately harmed by gender-based violence, and therefore hundreds of organisations focus on ending violence against women.

GBV can impact anyone regardless of their geographical location, socio-economic background, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity. While women and girls are the most at risk and the most affected by gender-based violence, LGBTQIA+ community, boys and men also experience gender-based violence.

GBV can have serious physical, mental, economic, and social repercussions, and  prevent survivors from achieving economic prosperity because of stigma or physical and psychological trauma caused by the violence.

Examples of GBV
GBV can manifest in many different forms, and it is important that we identify what qualifies as gender-based violence. This can be:

• physical abuse
• psychological abuse
• sexual assault
• verbal abuse
• elder abuse
• financial abuse
• spiritual abuse
• emotional abuse

We urge you to make use of the resources, and to share this information among your peers, family members, and anyone who may need assistance.