As South Africa enters its third week of the nationwide lockdown, many find themselves feeling cooped up and bored. Yet, there are those who now find themselves living under constant fear.
Victims of abuse are now facing the daunting challenge of being locked down in their homes with their abusers. Not a moment of relief is offered, with many businesses shutting their doors in order to comply with the lockdown regulations.
Sexual, emotional and physical abuse constantly raining down in them, what can abuse victims do?
Newcastle Crisis Centre is still open during this time for emergencies. This means that any woman or child who is suffering at the hands of their abusers can still call out for help.
Abuse victims can also turn to the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for help during the national lockdown. Abuse victims can turn to the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for help during the national lockdown.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu added that the command centre will be assisting through Skype via HELPMEGBV, a toll-free line (0800 428 428) and a call-back service victims’ could use by dialling *120*7867#.
With the first two weeks of the lockdown coming to an end, has the Newcastle Crisis Centre seen an influx of calls for help?
“We have been rather quiet over the past two weeks. I have also contacted other shelters in KwaZulu-Natal and 70% of them are empty,” explains Mary Dobbie of the Newcastle Crisis Centre.
Police Minister Bheki Cele recently commented that violent crimes have decreased since the implementation of the nationwide lockdown.
The number of murder, rape and assault cases coming down significantly. Cele believes the ban of alcohol has played an instrumental role in the decrease of violent crimes.
“The ban of alcohol has definitely been a contributing factor in the lack of recent domestic violence cases,” says Mary, who explains the bulk of their cases involve the misuse of alcohol.
Yet, Mary explains that this does not mean that abuse has come to an end during the lockdown.
“Abuse is a crime which happens behind closed doors and victims are not reporting abuse, out of fear,” she emphasises.
As the Newcastle Crisis Centre is an essential service, victims of abuse are encouraged to phone them. For help, contact the Newcastle Crisis Centre on 034 315 3389.
Comments 1
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