The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has condemned the ongoing femicide and intimate partner violence which continues to thrive in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the department urged families and communities to reject the silence that allows intimate partner violence (IPV) to thrive by reporting any form of violence and to stand united in supporting survivors.
“The department condemns the persistent violence against women and girls, particularly Women with disabilities, who face a significantly higher risk of IPV and femicide compared to women without disabilities, with some studies showing they are two to four times more likely to experience IPV.
“The department further calls on men across the nation to take responsibility, challenge harmful norms, and become active partners in creating a society free from violence,” the department said.
Femicide and intimate partner violence are ongoing global and national crises, with millions of women and girls killed each year by partners or family members due to deep-rooted misogyny and unequal power dynamics. According to research, every 10 minutes, a partner and or a woman is killed.
The department added that gender-related killings (femicide) are the most brutal and extreme manifestation of violence against women and girls.
According to recent South African Police Service Crime Statistics Reports, intimate partner violence and femicide (IPV) have remained high, particularly in the Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal Natal and Gauteng provinces.
The DWYPD leads and coordinates South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to GBVF.
Guided by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, the department collaborates with government, civil society, and communities to ensure accountability, prevention, survivor support, justice, and women’s empowerment, transforming commitments into tangible results.
Community members are urged to report any GBVF cases through the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 04 or dial *120* 7867#. – SAnews.gov.za
