Overstrand Municipality's Social Development Department, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, has taken the 16 Days of Activism close to heart in order to raise awareness of and stop violence against women and children in the Hermanus area.
Not turning a blind eye is one of the pillars of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. This international campaign takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Since the beginning of the campaign the Department has visited several schools, clinics and taxi ranks in the Greater Hermanus area.
The outreach programmes aim to educate residents about the negative impact that violence has on women and children and to encourage them to act against abuse.
The Grade R and Grade 1 classes of Hawston Primary were among the schools that were visited. Topics discussed, were bullying and the importance of reporting child abuse. Children should know that, if they feel unsafe around someone, they should try to run away and scream to get the attention of other people who may be around them.
Members of the Social Development Department also visited the Hawston taxi rank where they interacted with the public, taxi drivers and commuters. They handed out pamphlets and shared information that will help residents if faced with GVB-related issues.
Residents are encouraged to speak out and not to turn a blind eye if they see anyone being abused. Domestic violence, in particular, should not be treated as a private matter. It is a crime and must be reported to the police.
The Western Cape Department of Community Safety encourages you to stand tall and speak out during 16 Days of Activism.
Let’s make the Overstrand safer by:
• Speaking out against abuse.
• Reporting abuse.
• Knowing what to do in abusive situations (see guide for victims of domestic abuse).
• Being alert in our communities. If you know of a person or child being abused in your community, please report it. Our Department of Community Safety can provide help and support to communities.
Where to go for help:
• Gender Based Violence Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*786#
• Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
• Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453)
• SAPS: 08600 10111
• Childline: 08000 55 555
• Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250.
• Department of Social Development Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• LifeLine 24-hour crisis helpline: 021 461 1111
• Find out more about our safety services for women and children by sending an SMS with the word INFO to 35 395.
How the community can become involved
– Speak out against women and child abuse
– Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help
– Report child abuse to the police
– Encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities
– Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour
– Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children
– Call the Stop Gender-Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150
