NATIONAL CRISES: This week we kick off 16 Days of Activism which marks the fight towards addressing gender-based violence and femicide across the world. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities recently shared some alarming statistics: in South Africa, a woman is killed every three hours; over 50% of women are killed by an intimate partner and, in 2023, the South African Police Service reported over 50 000 cases of sexual offences, predominantly affecting women and children.
I6 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is an international campaign that runs from 25 November until 10 December. The main aim of this campaign is to raise awareness against gender-based violence and to promote and encourage the complete elimination of violence against women and children.
The theme for 16 Days of Activism this year is,
“Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, and Collect!” The theme puts emphasis on the fact that there is a need for funding, response, prevention and data collection to end GBV. Everyone is encouraged to support or organise events that will help raise more awareness to GBV.
There are several types of abuse:
Physical abuse: Using physical force to harm or injure someone by hitting, shaking or kicking.
Emotional abuse: An abuser’s behaviour that hurts someone such as name calling, insulting someone and constantly criticising someone, as well as controlling behaviour.
Sexual abuse: Unwanted or forced. sexual contact such as rape, molestation or sexual harassment.
Verbal abuse: Use of words to hurt, including threats, intimidation or belittling a person constantly.
Financial abuse: Exploiting someone’s finances, not giving them access to financial resources such as money.
Neglect: A person’s failure to provide care or attention to another person’s needs such as food, shelter or medical care.
Spiritual abuse: Using one’s faith or beliefs to control and manipulate someone.
Stalking: Harassing someone, following them or any unwanted phone call, monitoring them on social media.
Show your support by:
Wearing orange or black.
Sharing information and resources on social media using the hash tag #16Days.
Support organisations that work to prevent and respond to GBV.
Participate in local events and activities for 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any form of abuse, call the National GBV Command Centre (080-042-8428) or the South African Police Services (112 from a cellphone). Alternatively, you can contact Masithethe Counselling Services at 084-091-5410 / 043-722-2000 or email admin@masithethe.co.za.
