Two new safe houses for GBV survivors opened in the Western Cape

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has opened two new safe houses for survivors of Gender-Based Violence(GBV) on the Garden Route.

The opening of the shelters comes after the announcement by the National Minister of Public Works last year, that six national government-owned properties in the province would be made available as safe havens for women and children.

According to recent crime stats, reported sexual violence cases increased by 74% in the last financial year.

Provincial Social Development Minister, Sharna Fernandez, says the safe houses come at a critical time for gender-based Violence survivors.

“We need a whole society approach. We need communities, we need SAPS, we need the justice system, we need every man and woman to commit to eradicating gender inequality and Gender-Based Violence. We must all commit to playing a role in eliminating the social injustices women experience daily in this country,” says Fernandez.

Social Development Department training initiative empowers victims of Gender-Based Violence