Minister Zulu to relaunch Gender-Based Violence Command Centre in Salvokop, Pretoria
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Friday - 27 November, relaunch the Department’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) in Salvokop, Pretoria. The new GBVCC premises will accommodate enough resources to swiftly respond to the high volume of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related cases being received.
Handed during the 5 Days of Remembrance to honour those who lost the lives through GBVF and COVID-19, the new GBVCC facility was handed over to Social Development by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and will accommodate ten Social Workers and two Social-Work Supervisors per shift.
The Department of Social Development leads Pillar Four of Government’s National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide which promotes Response, Care, Support and Healing for victims and those who are affected by this scourge. Pillar Four also focuses on rendering shelter and psychosocial services for victims of crime and violence through a multi-sectoral approach.
The strengthening of the community and institutional response enhances the provision of integrated care and support for victims of gender-based violence, survivors and their families.
Success in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide depends on combined efforts from all sectors of society including Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and communities.
Initially launched in 2013, the 24-hour GBVCC has been attending to a variety of emergency situations including indecent assault, physical violence, rape, abandonment of children and various forms of abuse. It has also attended to cases of stalking, emotional abuse, sexual harassment, forced marriages, forced prostitution, elderly-citizen abuse, bullying and has even intervened in family disputes – to name a few.
During the proceedings of the relaunch of the GBVCC, a candlelight commemoration will be held to honour officials of the Social Development Sector who died due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The success of the GBVCC can be attributed to the fact that it comprises comprehensive, integrated systems that provide immediate, consistent, coordinated and timeous support to victims of gender-based violence.
The GBVCC toll free number to call to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker to call them back by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone. Alternatively, callers may also send an SMS to 31531 or via Skype by adding “HelpMeGBV” as a contact for assistance.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the relaunch of the GBVCC planned as follows:
DATE: Friday, 27 November 2020
TIME: 09h00
VENUE: Salvokop, Pretoria – Gauteng Province
ONLINE: ZOOM
Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86509036826?pwd=bWRZKzdhVnk3VzhOOEJ5M3ZrdlpBdz09
YouTube: https://youtu.be/OvR7siWPogk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialDevelopmentZA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_DSD
Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za or Ms Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 / SharleneN@dsd.gov.za
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
Email: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
