Gauteng expands support for survivors of gender-based violence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sowetan
The Gauteng government is strengthening support for survivors of gender-based violence, with 18 shelters offering 363 beds and seven support centres. The plan also includes new referral tools in the 43 courts handling protection orders, provincial Premier Panyaza Lesufi said.
The government of South Africa’s Gauteng province has strengthened support and care for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide, with 18 shelters providing a total of 363 beds. The programme also includes seven Thuthuzela Care Centres, which support victims of sexual violence, according to provincial Premier Panyaza Lesufi, quoted by Sowetan.
Psychosocial support services have reached tens of thousands of people over the past six months. New referral tools have also been rolled out in the 43 courts handling protection orders, Lesufi said.
Gauteng added the protection and accommodation of survivors to its provincial plan following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address on 29 September. The president had called for the faster processing of gender-based violence cases, the clearing of forensic backlogs and improved safety for women in high-risk areas.
The province adopted an implementation plan on 2 October, with weekly monitoring. It is also strengthening police presence and CCTV networks, and taking measures to address technical problems with the e-Panic Button app, according to Lesufi.
