Mzansi’s Zozibini Tunzi has expressed her sadness at the tragic increase in gender-based violence since South Africa's 21-day lockdown began. She echoes the sentiment of South Africans everywhere who are horrified at the reports announced by Minister Bheki Cele during a press conference just 6 days ago.
Cele stated that the SAPS had received 87 000 calls with regards to gender-based violence since the start of the lockdown.
Tunzi shared her thoughts about this number in her post saying, "more that 87 000 reports of GBV in South Africa in just one week of lockdown. Isizwe sisebungciphekweni. We are in the middle of a war with this horrible virus that's threatening mankind kodwa we still have to stop & plead with you to act right! Why are you doing this maan?"
More that 87 000 reports of GBV in South Africa in just one week of lockdown. Isizwe sisebungciphekweni. We are in the middle of a war with this horrible virus that's threatening mankind kodwa we still have to stop & plead with you to act right! Why are you doing this maan?????
— Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi) April 4, 2020
However, this rise in instances of domestic abuse is not exclusive to South Africa, there has been a global increase in cases of domestic violence as citizens all over the world are told to ‘stay home’. In the UK alone, according to The Guardian, a helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse who are seeking help to change their behaviour has received 25% more calls due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Dr Lesley Ann Foster of Masimanyane Women’s Rights International spoke to Algoa FM’s Mio Kondleka this morning and said, “We are seeing an increase in the number of women seeking help. The fights are happening because people are not used to being together for longer periods and being in confined spaces.”
As stated on the Masimanyane website prior to lockdown: Violence against women and girls WILL NOT dissipate during the COVID-19 national lockdown. In fact, it will increase.
If you or anyone you know is being abused you can get help by calling the Stop Gender Violence Helpline South Africa - 0800 150 150 - their 24-hour confidential crisis intervention service is available at no cost to all sectors of the community regardless of race, religion or social standing.
