From 25 November to 10 December, the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, will be taking place in South Africa. While the campaign itself runs for 16 days a year, the aim is to help people live their lives free of violence all year round.

Concerns around gender-based violence (GBV) and the abuse of children have escalated around the country during the prolonged lockdown period, associated to the Covid pandemic. This highlights just how crucial it is for all South Africans to actively work together to tackle the problem.

GBV Issues Exacerbated by Lockdown Measures

South African households have been under extreme pressure since the start of the pandemic, facing issues like loss of income and job insecurity. This means that many women and children found themselves stuck in troubled home environments during Level 5 lockdown in 2020.

Within the first week of lockdown in 2020, the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly received 2,300 calls nationally, requesting help related to gender-based violence.

Different Types of Abuse

Abuse can be more than just physical violence. Women and children in abusive households may also experience verbal, emotional or financial abuse. Neglect is also a form of abuse that specifically affects children. Some examples include:

  • Verbal abuse: Threats, insults, yelling or screaming, bullying and name-calling.
  • Emotional abuse: Gaslighting, isolating/restricting communication with others, coercion, stalking and excessively controlling behaviour.
  • Financial abuse: Restricting access to finances, hiding or stealing financial resources, lying about money, sabotaging work opportunities, using finances as a means of control.
  • Neglect: Not meeting a child’s basic needs – this includes physical, emotional, educational or medical needs.

Recognising Signs of Abuse

Be part of the solution by speaking up for those who need help. Here are a few common signs of abuse to watch out for in children:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Sudden changes in behaviour
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Withdrawing from friends and social activities
  • Problems with emotional development
  • Inappropriate interactions with other children

Break the Cycle of Violence: Ask Yourself Some Tough Questions

As a country, we need to support 365 days a year against abuse and violence. We need to hold ourselves and others accountable. This goes beyond wearing white ribbons and supporting local NGOs – it also means taking an honest look at your own behaviour and asking yourself some difficult questions.

  • Do you struggle to control your temper?
  • Do you have healthy ways to deal with feelings of anger, or do you lash out at those close to you?
  • Have you ever acted in an abusive way because of your own frustrations and anger?
  • Do you need to speak to a professional counsellor about how to manage your feelings in a healthier way?
  • Have you looked the other way when you noticed someone else acting in an abusive way?

If you need help or you know somebody else who needs help, call the Stop Gender-Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150 or Childline on 116. You can also contact the LifeAssist Helpline for assistance, advice and counselling. All information will be treated as 100% confidential.