Western Cape launches shelter for gender-based violence victims

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched the first of six shelters for victims of gender-based violence.

CAPE TOWN, March 29 (ANA) – The Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched the first of six shelters for victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

In a statement, Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez announced that the Marigold Safe House was launched in the Central Karoo on Friday, March 26.

She said it was the first shelter to be launched by her department with the support of its non-profit organisation (NPO) partners, and plans were in place to open the other five shelters during the course of the year.

Fernandez said the provision of safe spaces for victims of GBV was a crucial component of the Western Cape government’s effort to ensure that support services were in place to assist the victims.

“The opening of this new shelter will go a long way to ensuring that women and children who have been victims of violence and abuse in the Central Karoo area no longer have nowhere to turn,” she said.

Fernandez thanked the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for making six properties available in rural areas across the province to be used as safe spaces for victims.

She said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between Social Development and the DPWI after an announcement was made by the national DPWI minister on March 4, 2020, that six government-owned properties in the Western Cape would be made available to be used as safe havens for women and children.

Fernandez also thanked all social workers, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the South African Police Service (SAPS), community policing forums, neighbourhood watches, communities and all other stakeholders who help support victims of GBV.

Several criteria need to be met for admission to the Marigold Safe House. Victims have to be experiencing physical and life-threatening circumstances and have to be victims of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, or sexual and physical assault. All denominations, races and cultures are welcome.

“One woman and/or child violated is one too many. By working together, we can have one voice united against gender-based violence, 365 days of the year,” Fernandez added.

Residents are reminded of the 24-hour GBV command centre that can be reached on 0800 428 428.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher