Action Society welcomes GBVF Response Fund

Action Society welcomes the private sector-led, multi-sectoral Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund government launched yesterday. According to President Cyril Ramaphosa it is aimed at supporting the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP), and the wider GBVF response in the country.

“On government’s side this is a giant leap in right direction.  The private sector will be eager to elaborate and utilise the funding to change SA’s shocking statistics,” says Daleen Gouws, spokesperson of Action Society.
According to the pressure group there are numerous non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) who are already successfully contributing to this particular cause.

“With an enhanced budget they will be able to have a greater impact in communities fighting this problem,” says Gouws.

Roughly 53,000 cases (an average of 146 per day) of gender-based violence (GBV) have been recorded in 2019/20. 80% of these were cases of rape, averaging to 116 rapes per day. In South Africa a women is murdered every three hours — half of these are at the hands of an intimate partner, either through femicide or domestic violence. Currently GBV is one of the most expensive public health burdens.

“Despite government’s efforts to address the problem, we know that the numbers are ever increasing. Especially during lockdown a surge in GBV was recorded. Our greatest concern is the low conviction rate of 3%! In order for this problem to stop, we need to ensure that there is a watertight, comprehensive docket when a case is presented in court,” says Gouws.

Action Society is on the verge of rolling out action centre’s that will make laboratory services for DNA sampling and private detectives more accessible to victims.

“The first 48 hours of a case are the most critical. This action centre’s will help to fast-track findings and verify DNA information. Action Society also suggests the implementing Sexual Offences Courts.”

The five-year National Strategic Plan (NSP), which envisioned a future where HIV, TB and STIs are no longer public health problems, is coming to an end in 2022. The pressure group hope the suggested funding and partnership is not a last minute attempt to reach unachieved goals.

“It is a great initiative to incorporate existing, effective structures with experienced people rather than establishing something out of nothing. We incite the presidency and the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) for a meeting to discuss how we can commit in combatting these atrocious crimes against the most vulnerable. We are ready to make a real difference!” Gouws concluded.

ISSUED BY: Action Society
DATE: 5 February  2021

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Daleen Gouws,
Spokesperson: Action Society,
Cell: 0812338351

Is there justice in SA?

At Action Society, we often see delays in the justice system. What do you think? Have you experienced this too?

Become a Society Superhero and help us to give a voice to the voiceless.

Subscribe
Action Society will protect and save all relevant personal information as described in the applicable legislation and shall only use such personal information for the purpose stated herein. With completing the above form you agree and confirm that Action Society may contact you in future. We thank you for your support.
#SwitchOffGBV

Become an action hero by joining Action Society and help us give a voice to the voiceless.

Action Society will protect and save all relevant personal information as described in the applicable legislation and shall only use such personal information for the purpose stated herein. With completing the above form you agree and confirm that Action Society may contact you in future. We thank you for your support.