Min Fernandez visits safe-houses in celebration of International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, visited the Department of Social Development (DSD) funded safe-houses for women and children in the Western Cape, namely, Sisters Incorporated and Athlone House of Strength (AHOS).

“Our women continue to be the pillars that hold up society and therefore every person has a role to play in promoting the safety of women.

As part of International Women’s Day, I call upon our sons, our brothers, our fathers, our uncles, our colleagues and every other man in society, to stand with us in solidarity in our fight against all forms of violence and discrimination against women.

The time to challenge this injustice is now!” said Minister Fernandez.

The Department currently funds 19 NPOs that specialise in the delivery of shelter services and skills development training to female victims of crime and violence, in vulnerable communities.

The first of the six additional shelters handed over by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will be operational towards the end of this month.

“Gender-based violence has become deeply entrenched in our society, leaving many people impacted by the accompanying trauma. We all need to commit to speaking up when we see acts of violence committed.

I also wish to thank all of our NPO partners who continue to work tirelessly in the broader effort to safeguard our women and children,” concluded Minister Sharna Fernandez.

The Department of Social Development’s Victim Empowerment Programme, supported by funded NGOs in the Western Cape, offers a variety of services which include:

• emotional and practical support,
• management of trauma, 
• identification of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress,
• referrals to professional services where necessary,
• provision of court support services during the criminal justice process,
• promoting the rights and responsibilities of clients through advocacy,
• ensuring that clients are aware of their rights,
• preventing ongoing victimisation and provision of a shelter service.

A shelter is a place where victims of crime and violence are able to live for a period of one day up to approximately 3 months depending on the needs of the victims.

The shelter assists with meeting basic needs such as:

• providing a safe place to live,
• providing protection, food and clothing,
• providing emotional support services such as trauma debriefing and therapeutic counselling,
• support in preparation for court procedures,
• programmes focused on alleged perpetrators and gender-based violence prevention programmes.

A shelter for victims of crime and violence does not provide statutory services to children, therefore shelters cannot accommodate children without their parents/ legal guardians.

Where to go for Help?

• Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*7867#
• National Shelter Movement (24-hour line): 0800 001 005 
• Police: 10111
• The Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777
• Department of Social Development Toll-Free line: 0800 220 250
• Department of Social Development Email: GBV365DAYS@westerncape.gov.za / SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za
• SASSA 0800 60 10 11