SADAG urges South Africans to unite against digital violence against women and girls during 16 Days of Activism
As online abuse continues to rise, SADAG highlights its severe impact on mental wellbeing and calls on communities to take action by reporting harmful content, supporting survivors, and promoting safer digital spaces.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) launches its 16 Days of Activism campaign under the national theme “Uniting to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
With online platforms increasingly becoming spaces where harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and targeted intimidation occur, the national theme urges to address urgent awareness, stronger protection, and better support for survivors. Digital Violence is not limited to the virtual world – it spills into everyday life and has a profound impact on Mental Wellbeing. With GBV officially declared a national disaster in South Africa, the rise of online abuse adds another urgent layer to an already devastating crisis.
Clinical Psychologist, Marita Rademeyer shared that, “Beyond psychological harm, long term effects can include Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, reproductive health problems and even chronic physical illness later in life.” Many women and girls never report Digital Abuse due to shame, fear of retaliation, or not knowing where to seek help.
SADAG Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein says, “By encouraging conversations in families, schools, workplaces and communities, SADAG aims to reduce isolation, strengthen support systems, and ensure that survivors know they are not alone and that trustworthy help is within reach.”
This year we’re calling on South Africans not only to raise awareness, but to take action – whether by reporting harmful content, supporting survivors in their circles, challenging harmful online behaviour, or sharing resources that can help someone in need. SADAG is rolling out key initiatives to support anyone impacted by GBV.
These include:
▪ A new online Toolkit with a video library, articles, nationwide Support Groups and helpful resources ([www.sadag.org].(https://www.sadag.org/index.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=2889&Itemid=145#bipolar-disorder-brochure))
▪ Free SADAG GBV Support Groups providing safe spaces for survivors and guidance to help them heal and regain safety. Call 0800 21 22 23 or visit SADAG’s website for more information.
▪ SADAG’s 24-hour Free Counselling Helplines: 0800 456 789 or 0800 567 567, SMS 31393 (24/7), or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (Mon–Sun, 8am–5pm).
