Today, the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez attended the National Shelter Movement of South Africa’s (NSMSA) 24-hour toll-free helpline launch.
The NSMSA toll-free helpline number is 0800 001 005 and will serve women by helping them find a conveniently located place of safety from domestic abuse and provide information about obtaining protection orders or advice on issues when dealing with the SAPS.
It will become operational from 2 December 2020.
In light of the launch of the new toll-free helpline number, Minister Fernandez said, “ I welcome this much-need initiative. This helpline will serve as an additional safety measure for women needing to escape from a violent or abusive situation at home.
I would also like to urge all women, both young and old, to ensure that you have emergency gender-based violence contact numbers saved on your phones. One can never be certain if they will be in a situation where help is urgently needed.”
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) based in Cape Town but renders services across South Africa with its many representatives deployed in different parts of the country.
Shelters are residential facilities that accommodate victims of crime and violence, and their children, in a crisis where their safety is at risk. Shelters provide short term intervention for up to 3 months, or longer if the shelter has second stage accommodation available.
