Grabouw GBV ambassadors ready to make a positive difference

On 06 August 2024, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) launched its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador model in Grabouw.

This is the third model of its kind in the province, as part of the Department’s commitment to supporting victims of GBV.

The 13 GBV ambassadors – who are trained volunteers from the community – will provide information about victim support programmes and services available for the intervention and prevention of GBV to residents in Grabouw. They comprise of members of the Grabouw Community Policing Forum (CPF), community members, and safety parents.

DSD has worked with the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety; Overberg District Municipality; Theewaterskloof Municipality; DSD’s partner NGO Glen Elgin Community Organisation (GECO), the CPF, and the SAPS to develop this programme.

The National Prosecuting Authority and another DSD NGO partner hosted workshops to train the volunteers on various topics: GBV awareness and support services; child protection; substance abuse prevention and treatment; and how to do referral forms.

DSD and GECO also provided trauma counselling for those who needed it and will continue providing support.

GBV ambassador, Christina Kaptein said: “Many women suffer due to violence and abuse, the elderly, and even men. I’ve made it my duty to support those who are vulnerable and those who cannot stand up for themselves. I want to stand up for them, be a voice for them, and help them.”

Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais addressed the event: “It is very important that any member of the community who becomes aware of an incident, or pattern, of gender-based violence, immediately informs the police. It is the only way of overcoming this scourge. If we all work together, we can beat crime in the Western Cape.”

“DSD’s GBV Ambassador programmes are a perfect example of how active citizenry can assist in building social cohesion and improving the well-being of the community. When government works with community members and partners such as GECO, SAPS, the CPF, and the municipality, we can make a real difference. We also cannot be in every home or every street. These ambassadors play a crucial role in ensuring GBV victims know that there is support available for them, and they may be more willing to seek help when they hear about it from someone in the community. Thank you to the ambassadors for volunteering their time to an amazing cause,” said Provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt.

The first GBV ambassador model was launched in Swartland Municipality in 2022, and continues to be a sustainable and functional model with its 11 volunteers. These volunteers assist DSD and other partners such as the SAPS with referrals of GBV victims in need of support, as well as awareness campaigns.

The Delft GBV Ambassador programme – which was launched in 2023 with 25 volunteers – has successfully expanded to 49 trained volunteers. These ambassadors are often first responders to GBV crimes, and work with DSD’s GBV helpdesk and its social workers in Delft. The ambassadors are members of the Delft Victim Empowerment Programme Forum, which meets on a monthly basis. Additionally, four of the ambassadors are also victim support volunteers at the Delft Police Station.

For information on DSD services, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office. You can also visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development