16 Days of Activism 2019
Act now for a brighter future forward together
Violence in our society is often the symptom of deeper social problems. Together, we need to stand up against violence especially against women and children.
The International 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children, and the social fabric of our society. The campaign starts on 25 November and ends on 10 December every year.
Why is this campaign important?
The rights of women and children are fundamental human rights protected by our national Constitution. Gender-based and child violence, in all its different forms, devalues human dignity and the self-worth of the abused person and must be stopped in our society. The campaign can only succeed if we stand together to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse.
What is abuse?
Abuse is any form of harm which can include when someone is:
hurting your body physically or sexually
insulting you, or threatens you with violence
harassing you sexually
humiliating and degrading you at home or in public
controlling how you use your money
preventing you from getting or keeping a job, or to see friends or relatives
stalking you, by following you or visits you without your permission
harming your health or wellbeing
monitoring your phone calls and telling you where you can and can’t go
What's the purpose of the campaign?
The campaign aims to:
Generate an increased level of awareness among all South Africans about the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children
Stand up to perpetrators of these offences to change their behaviour
Enhance and increase partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, and the media to spread the message
Raise funds for NGOs that provide invaluable support to the victims and survivors of violence
Provide survivors with information on these services and organisations that can help reduce the impact of violence on their lives
Engage actively with men and boys in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, communities and in the workplace
Highlight the stories of survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse, and the impact that the campaign has had on their lives
Speak out against woman and child abuse.
Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help
Report child abuse to the police
Encourage children to report bullying to teachers or the school principal
Encourage men and boys to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abused or if you are abusive to your partner or children.
Encourage and talk to friends, relatives and colleagues to take a stand against the abuse of women and children.
Where to go for help
You can phone the following organisations to report women and child abuse:
Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
SAPS: 08600 10111
Childline: 08000 55 555
Source
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/what-16-days-activism
For Professional Confidential Counselling, Training and Life Skill Programmes contact
PROCARE 0861 776227