While South Africans are currently in the 21-day countrywide lockdown to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, for some, isolating at home presents additional risks, on top of avoiding possible Covid-19 infection.
According to the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSM) one of its main concerns is the potential for increased violence against women and children, who may be forced to endure isolation with their abuser(s), during this unprecedented extended period of confinement. The NSM is an umbrella body representing 78 shelters for abused women and children across the country.
“An unfortunate consequence of the severe Covid-19 measures being implemented from midnight on Thursday, is an anticipated increase of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) rates during this time. While the lockdown is a much-needed and proven intervention, it is important that the most vulnerable of our society are not left to fend for themselves,” said Head of the Executive of the NSM and Director of the Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development, Dr Zubeida Dangor.
“We cannot ignore the increased risks, especially for the victims of domestic violence and abuse, who will now not only feel, but will actually be more isolated than ever. However, since shelters are an essential service, these facilities will remain fully operational during the lockdown. Victims and survivors of domestic violence can be assured that there are resources available to assist during this high-risk period,” added Dangor.
Although no victim will be left without support, NSM cautions that specific protective lockdown measures may differ at provincial and local level. NSM implores all provincial Departments of Social Development (DSD) to assist shelters in implementing safety measures for both clients and shelter staff. All shelters must refer to the Regulations, Annexure C, Form 1 to issue travel permits for their staff.
There are a number of contact centres available to support any women who experience any domestic abuse issues during the Coronavirus lockdown. The LifeLine SA Stop Gender Violence National Helpline is available on 0800 150 150. Women in danger can also contact the National DSD’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) on 0800 428 428. The Call Centre operates 24hr/7days-a-week, and is operated by qualified social workers who are responsible for taking calls and making call referrals.
Should you be unable to make a call, dial *120*7867# to contact the centre via a USSD, “Please Call Me” service. The centre can also be reached via a Skype line, by adding ‘Helpme GBV’ to your Skype contacts. This is particularly useful for members of the deaf community. Social workers in the Command Centre can also be reached by sending an SMS with the word ‘Help’ to 31531. The Centre will be particularly useful during this period of isolation, since they are able to refer calls directly to SAPS (10111) and field Social Workers, who will respond to victims of GBV. For more details, go to http://gbv.org.za/about-us/.
