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COVID-19: Responses to gender-based violence during the national lockdown

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Gender-Based Violence Command Centre

The Minister of Social Development has confirmed that the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre will be fully operational during the national lockdown between 26 March and 16 April 2020.  Vulnerable women, children and persons who are at risk of abuse or are exposed to violence during the lockdown can rely on the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for help.  The Centre will continue to operate the National, 24-hour 7-days-a-week call centre facility.  The Centre can be contacted in the following ways:

  • On the Emergency Line number: 0800 428 428.
  • Through the “please call me” facility: *120*7867#.
  • Via a Skype Line ‘Helpme GBV’ for members of the deaf community at “Helpme GBV” on skype.
  • Persons with disabilities can contact the GBVCC on by SMSing “help” to 31531.
  • The Centre is able to refer calls directly to SAPS (10111) and field Social Workers who respond to victims of gender-based violence.

The Minister of Social Development has confirmed there will be an increase in Social Services Professionals to assist during this time and that relevant shelters and supporting services will be operational 24 hours per day during the national lockdown.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit of the South African Police Service

The Minister of Police has announced that he has increased the FCS Units (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) to respond to threats and acts of violence during the national lockdown.  SAPS can be contacted on the following numbers:

  • The FCS Units can be contacted to report incidents of gender-based violence for urgent response at 0800 150 150.
  • Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)-related service complaints (SAPS) can be contacted on 0800 333 177.

Courts

Courts can still be accessed, to a limited extent, during the national shutdown.  The Chief Justice has delegated his authority to all the Heads of Court in Superior Courts and Magistrates/Lower Court to issue Directives as to enable access to courts in relation to (i) any urgent matters, (ii) bail applications, (iii) Maintenance and Domestic Violence related matters and (iv) cases involving children.

Childline

Childline will remain open during the lockdown and can be contacted in the following ways:

  • On 08 000 55 555 24-hours, 7-days a week.
  • Through the online counselling chatrooms accessible at: http://www.childlinesa.org.za/status/.  There is a Deaf Friendly Service that is available on Mondays to Fridays at 11h00 to 13h00, and 14h00 to 16h00.

Other

Other helpful contacts during the national shutdown include:

  • National AIDS helpline: 0800 012 322.
  • National human trafficking helpline: 0800 222 777.
  • Suicide helpline: 0800 567 567.

#TheTotalShutdown in partnership with SWEAT, Triangle Project, Women on Farms Project, Tosunga Baninga, APHA and the Emotional Paramedic will be hosting a webinar to discuss the #ForgottenReality during COVID-19 in South Africa.  The details of the webinar are as follows:

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