NOLUVO MGIJIMA
CONCERNING cases of gender-based violence in the Umzimvubu area of the Eastern Cape resulted in two members of parliament, Yanga Govana and Busisiwe Ndlangisa, hosting a gender-based violence programme at the Umzimvubu Conference Centre in EmaXesibeni on Monday, August 18.
Representatives from various formations as well as the Department of Social Development, SAPS, Department of Correctional Services and Department of Health attended.
The one-day session was aimed at raising awareness and preventing GBV. It has been reported that 271 cases of GBV have so far been reported in Umzimvubu this year. Although police said that some cases are not reported, the number of the cases opened so far is alarming. Police said the withdrawal of cases by some victims is also on the rise. It was highlighted that some cases are withdrawn by victims to protect perpetrators who later kill them.
The Department of Social Development’s victim empowerment officer Nomgcobo Ntleki said that the department provides counselling support and safe houses for victims of GBV.
She added that the department works with law enforcement agencies, the Department of Health and the Department of Justice to ensure that victims receive counselling support.
MP Govana said abuse is not only physical but emotional as well.
“We want people to understand that abuse does not only happen at home, but in workplaces too,” she said while calling for men to also report GBV cases.
