Fight violence against women and children

Written by *Jenny Schreiner

16 Days of Activism Month

Annually, for 16 days the spotlight falls on women and children, and society is called on to fight violence and protect the community’s most vulnerable members.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign starts on 25 November and concludes on 10 December: International Human Rights Day.

South Africans should heed the call to prevent violence of any sort, but particularly against society’s most vulnerable members. These include women, children, the elderly, those living with albinism, those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender and inter-sex communities. #CountMeIn calls on the nation to live by values that discourage violence.

The campaign is the high point of on-going work against violence against women and children. We renew our commitments to eradicate violence and wear a white ribbon as a symbol of peace and refusal to condone violence against women and children.

Violence against women and children takes place in wealthy suburbs, housing estates, townships and informal settlements, in our homes, our workplaces, on farms and in towns.

Do your bit by encouraging silent victims to talk about abuse and bullying and ensure they get help. Report child abuse to the police.

We have the law and institutions in place and must ensure they are implemented effectively because violent behaviour is morally and socially unacceptable.

Take a stand and do not look away from violence and abuse.

Where to get help

SAPS Crime Stop - 08600 10111
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre - 0800 428428 / 0800GBVGBV
Stop Gender Violence Helpline - 0800 150 150 / *120*7867# from any cellphone
Childline - report child abuse - 0800 055 555
Elderly people helpline - 0800 003 081
Family and Marriage Society of South Africa –
Advice on family relationships - 011 975 7107
Thuthuzela Care Centres - 012 845 6136
Suicide Crisis Line - 0800 567 567
Alcoholics Anonymous SA - 0861 435 722
Substance Abuse Helpline - 0800 121 314
Narcotics Anonymous SA - 0839 00 69 62
Mental Health Information Line - 0800 567 567
Aids Helpline - 0800 012 322 or 011 725 6710
National Anti-Corruption Hotline - 0800 701 701
Disaster Operations Centre - 080 911 4357
Crisis Line - 0861 574747
National Crisis Line - Counselling Service - 086 132 2322
Human Trafficking - 08000 737 283 (08000 rescue) or 082 455 3664
SASSA grants inquiries - 0800 60 10 11 or CPS - 0800 60 01 60.
SA National Council for Child Welfare - 011 339 5741
Legal Aid - 0800 1110 110
Presidential hotline - unresolved service delivery complaints 17737
National Anti-corruption Forum - 0800 701 701
Cancer Association of South Africa - 0800 22 66 22.

*Jenny Schreiner is Director-General, Department of Women.

Safety and Security