Shelters for domestic-violence victims in the Durban area
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, held annually from November 25 to December 2, brings awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence has on women and children and the safe houses made available to them.
IN South Africa, it is estimated that a woman is killed by her male partner every six hours. South Africa has the highest rate of death by domestic violence in the world. The statistics demonstrate that violence against women has become ‘normalised’ in South Africa.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign held annually from November 25 (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
This year marks the 26th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children and the social fabric of our society.
Safe houses/shelters have been made available for women and children who encounter atrocities of violence, be it at their homes or in society in general.
Sheltered victims are, however, kept in protection and sometimes secretly, for fear of further harassment.
Gloria de Gee, founder and director of Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (UCEC), shares that “There are safe homes due to safety issues for our women and children that we cannot disclose the locations of, but if they visit drop-in centres, like UCEC in Mona Road, we can then refer them to a safe space close to them. A new counselling centre opened in Newlands East. We also have a centre in Wentworth, Pinetown, PMB and Sydenham.
Also read: Children more at risk of human trafficking
Don’t be a victim
• Break the cycle of violence
• Break the silence
• Know your rights
• Act against abuse
• Do not look away
Help is available
• Durban Women’s Hospice
A place of hope, healing and new beginnings. We are Kerr House, the Durban Hospice for Women. Kerr House provides a safe haven for abused and destitute women. This shelter for women in crisis was launched in 1951 and is registered as a non-profit organisation under the auspices of the Rectors of St Paul’s and Cyprian Anglican parishes.
Email: kerrhouse@telkomsa.net
Durban Hospice for Women: 031 303 2912
Kerr House: 031 303 2912
• Sahara Shelter
The Sahara is aware of the challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and provides a place of safety for abused women and their children in crisis.
It is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and three dedicated house mothers are always available to provide care and support to the women who are admitted into the shelter. All three house mothers work on a shift rotation, so someone is available at all times to assist the client.
The Sahara has 24-hour security and operates in partnership with the South African Police Services in Phoenix to ensure the protection and safety of the women and children.
Telephone: 031 500 3671
Email: info@pcw.org.za
Address: 10 Featherstone Place, Whetstone, Phoenix, South Africa
Also read: 16 Days of Activism campaign marks 25 years
• Angels Care – Sezela
We operate a shelter/centre for KZN’s homeless and destitute and for women and children. We are a registered non-profit organisation and PBO. Our aim is to provide a non-judgemental, welcoming atmosphere. We care and cater for adults, the elderly, the disabled, the abused and the homeless members of society in need.
Contact number: 078 133 3522
Email: janndre@angelscarekzn.co.za
• Haven Of Hope
Durban Central, Durban, 4001
Phone: 084 516 7600
• Mater Vitae Crisis Home
Area: Durban
Contact: 031 461 3465
3 Nerrisa Road, Treasure Beach, Bluff
• The Open Door Crisis Care Centre
084 409 2679
Also read: Advice on how to escape from sexual abuse
• National Shelter Movement of South Africa
Victims of domestic violence in South Africa needing help from abuse can contact NSM’s 24-hour toll-free Shelter Helpline. This is the first national helpline exclusively dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse access shelter services in each of the nine provinces while also assisting with a variety of other issues that impact survivors.
Contact the helpline by calling 0800 001 005, or send an SMS, WhatsApp or Please Call Me to 082 057 8600 / 082 058 2215 / 072 230 7147, or send an email to infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za.
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