Deputy Minister encourages men to use the DSD Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
The Deputy Minister of the Department of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, reminded the District Men’s Parliament that they too can make use of the Department’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC).
The GBVCC was launched by the Department of Social Development in November 2013 and provides immediate care, support and counselling to victims of violence. It is able to determine the location of the victim and is linked to other Government services.
The District Men’s Parliaments was launched at the West Rand District Municipality’s Council Chamber under the theme: “Institutionalising a Responsive Men’s Movement” and it was the first of 52 to be held throughout the country during this financial year.
The District Parliaments are an outcome of the resolutions of the National Men’s Parliament of 2018 in which the Department of Social Development partnered with South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector as part of the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement to expedite the Department’s Men Championing Change programme.
The Parliaments are a call to instill active citizenry amongst men and to break communication barriers between men and the boy child, children, adolescent girls, women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The 25th of every month, is a day declared by the United Nations to remind member states of the high prevalence of gender-based violence. It was declared Orange Day where the nations of the world united are supposed to wear orange and make a commitment to create a better world free of violence.
“As you wear your orange T-shirt, you symbolize a man who is committed to bring change and you are expected to reduce the scourge of gender-based violence and I want to confirm that as a Department, we are improving our services to men. We have realised that men do not know when, how and who to talk to. We will be rolling out men’s shelters,” said Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu.
“A shelter is not only a place to run to but also a place to go to when you are feeling physically inclined and need someone to talk to. The centre has a social worker available to grant you the support you need, to hear you out and to refer you to where you need to be referred to…” she said.
The Deputy Minister emphasizes the importance of men in society and encouraged the 160 men in the Chamber to be active agents of change. “Men should hold each other accountable because you, alongside boys, have what it takes to champion change in society.”
The Gender Based Violence Command Centre can be reached on: 0800 428 428 or send a Please Call me to *120*7867#. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to add HelpMe GBV to their Skype contact list to communicate with a professional who is trained to engage with them.
Media enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
