National GBV helpline unreachable during 16 Days of Activism

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign unfolds, a crucial support service for survivors is facing a major setback.

The 24/7 National Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, a lifeline helpline for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), has become unreachable. This issue was uncovered last week during routine checks conducted by the MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre for Women, an NGO dedicated to combating GBV.

Kerryn Rehse, an advocacy specialist at MOSAIC, expressed serious concern over the government’s failure to maintain the hotline, calling it a “dereliction of duty.”

SUBSCRIBER UNAVAILABLE

“We called the National GBV Command Centre and we received the classic; “The subscriber you have dialled is not available right now. Please try again later.” We tried this multiple times and got the same result and this is the National GBV Command Centre, that’s headed up by the Department of Social Development, that’s been widely publicised. And it’s supposed to be an answer to those people who need help now, immediately,” Rehse emphasized.

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She added that this malfunction couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the holiday season typically sees a surge in GBV-related incidents, including domestic abuse and other violent crimes. Rehse says the lack of access to this essential service during a peak period for GBV cases is not only alarming but underscores the urgent need for reliable, continuous support for survivors in crisis.

“It’s supposed to be a festive time, a happy time, but we also know it is a time that is marred by such high levels of violence against women and children,” said Rehse.

ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES

National Shelter Movement Helpline – 0800 001 005 or Whatsapp/SMS 082 057 8600

Lifeline Gender Violence Helpline – Call or Whatsapp 0800 150 150

The Department of Social Development did not respond to Smile 90.4 FM’s request for comment by deadline.