VICTIMS OF GBV URGED TO SPEAK OUT

MMC for Health and Social Development Cllr Jennifer Glover has called on victims of gender-based violence and those who witness it to speak out and seek help.

Speaking during the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children in Rabasotho Community Hall, she emphasised that the city has social workers readily available to assist those in distress at all Customer Care Centres (CCC), adding that social workers can also be found at the 77 clinics across the city.

“Government, community and all the stakeholders must join hands to fight this pandemic of violence against women and children. We cannot always talk about this matter and then do nothing about it.

“We need to maximise the opportunities and support structures that are available to us by non-profit organisations and all spheres of government – mainly the Customers Care Centres, police services, social workers and clinics,” she said, appealing to members of the public to also make use of the services offered at women shelters.

Speaking at the same event, Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko advised parents of boy children to be on the lookout for early signs of bullying among their children.

She warned that children who are raised in violent relationships are likely to be abusers themselves when they grow up.

She added that according to the latest reports, Ekurhuleni is among the leading areas when it comes to gender based violence incidents in the province.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said the province also has programmes that are tailor-made to help and empower survivors of gender based violence at all provincial clinics.

The Gauteng provincial government runs 16 clinics in Ekurhuleni.