The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities says the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains one of the most urgent human rights and social justice challenges facing South Africa.
“Too many victims and survivors continue to encounter barriers when seeking justice, ranging from stigma and secondary victimisation to slow judicial processes and a lack of adequate support services.
“Access to justice for victims and survivors of GBVF is not only a constitutional right but also a moral imperative.
“It demands that victims and survivors are empowered to report abuse in safe and supportive environments, that their cases are investigated thoroughly, and that perpetrators are held accountable without fear or favour,” the department said in a statement.
Government, civil society, and all social partners have a shared responsibility to ensure that justice is victim-friendly, survivor-centred, accessible and responsive. This includes expanding specialised GBVF courts and victim-friendly police services; strengthening free legal aid and psychosocial support for victims, and training all service providers within the criminal justice system dealing with GBVF matters, including the police, prosecutors, magistrates, intermediaries, court preparation officers, court clerks, and health care providers to handle cases with sensitivity, urgency, agility and professionalism. This also extends to ensuring that protection services and shelters are available, particularly for women, children and individuals with disabilities.
The department says promoting awareness and messaging campaigns linked to rebuilding social cohesion and challenging misconceptions about the justice system is key to ensuring that all communities are aware of their rights and the available avenues for justice.
“No victim and survivor should suffer in silence or be revictimised by the very systems meant to protect them. Breaking the cycle of GBVF requires a justice system that is accessible, fair, and firmly committed to ending impunity.
“As a nation, we reaffirm our dedication to improving access to justice for all victims and survivors of GBVF.
“Together, we must build a society where victims and survivors are protected, perpetrators are held accountable, and the rights of women and girls are fully defended and upheld,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
