The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), in partnership with civil society organisations, will launch its proposal advocating for extensive reforms on behalf of shelters housing abused women and their children in Cape Town on Friday.
This proposal is the result of an eight-month investigation conducted by the CGE into the sustainability of shelters in the Western Cape, which found that shelters for abused women and their children are extremely underfunded - with an average of R26.10 per person per day. This is despite the fact that 44% of women across the province experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetimes.
“Shelters for women (and their children) who are victims of domestic violence face a very serious funding crisis,” says Amanda Gouws, Commissioner for the Western Cape Commission for Gender Equality. “The aim of our proposal is to highlight the plight of these shelters and to bring the urgency of the matter to the attention of government.”
The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) supports this, saying that prioritising the allocation of funding is a critical part of the battle against gender-based violence. At present, each province receives different amounts from government for shelter services under the Victim Empowerment Programme – a direct result of the absence of a national, standardised funding policy for shelters assisting abused women and their children.
“We can’t say we are serious about violence against women and children when the shelters that are supposed to protect them are closing down due to lack of funds. This initiative provides an opportunity for government departments and civil society to come together and give content to the State’s legal obligations in relation to victims of domestic violence,” says Jennifer Williams, Director of the WLC.
Shelters not only meet the basic needs of residents, but also equip women and children with the skills necessary to become self-sufficient and productive members of society.
“It cannot be the obligation of civil society alone to raise funds for shelters for domestic violence,” says Commissioner Gouws. “Government needs to get on board, and this proposal recommends extensive legislative, policy and funding reforms to be taken with respect to these shelters.”
The launch will take place at 6 Spin Street from 10 am on Friday, 29 November 2013.
For more information contact:
Amanda Gouws
Tel: 021 808 2414
Jennifer Williams
Cell: 078 803 3110
