Naziziphiwo Buso
The Kwanele App seeks to give victims a 'soft landing' allowing them to report abuse without the callous judgement that is often meted out to victims by police.
It will also bring much-needed data for the funding of the fight against GBV as it will capture a more accurate picture of how many cases or attempted cases happened.
The app, which has already started helping victims, comes a week after the release of the second-quarter statistics by Police Minister Bheki Cele where reports of sexual crimes increased yet again.
At least 13 283 cases were registered in South Africa between July and September 2022.
Cele also announced that 10 590 rapes had occurred, an increase of 10,8% from the previous cycle.
Kwanele board chair Caroline Mbi-Njifor says the fight for justice for a woman and girl who experiences any form of violence is not something that can be done by one person.
She says it requires a very holistic approach which is a key factor of the app which has police officers, social workers, NPO’s and volunteers on standby.
Expanding on how the app works she says it allows victims to send location services, and notify a friend of help, it also allows for video and audio streams and a step-by-step guide to accessing help.
She said It takes a lot of resources to maintain and upgrade and continue to have the service available timeously to women.
The foundation also appealed for more partners, more volunteers, and even more advocates.
