Gender Based Violence victims trapped with their abusers during coronavirus pandemic

Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have provided a perfect environment for the Gender based violence in South Africa- which is already at crisis levels. People are confined to their homes - where often their abusers are- with no where to run to. Sonke Gender Justice speaks to Siphosihle Mbuli and Gamelihle Bovana about their new campaign to encourage people to speak out against gender-based violence in their communities, following a surge in domestic violence during the Covid-19 lockdown. We also spoke to Nozipho Mapena from Arebueng Community Support, an NPO based in Mohlakeng on Gauteng Westrand.

Victims of Gender Based Violence can call the GBV Command Centre toll-free number: 0800 428 428 or SMS ‘help’ to 31531 or send a please call me to *120*7867# in order to receive assistance.