Health teams educate residents on GBV during Human Rights Month
On the 25th of every month, the team participates in wearing black with a touch of orange to show solidarity with victims of domestic violence.
Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services (Bertha Gxowa Care Centre) visited the Good Hope informal settlement as part of Human Rights Month.
The visit was aimed at engaging residents on gender-based violence and femicide awareness.
The initiative brought together various stakeholders, including CFMS, Department of Health mental health social workers, the Department of Social Development (intake and gender-based violence units), the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the Future Nurses health promotion team.
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The team conducted door-to-door visits, educating residents on different forms of gender-based violence, including sexual offences (rape), domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and human trafficking.
Bertha Gxowa Care Centre manager Sister Hazel Moagi said members of the community were encouraged to report rape or sexual offences within 72 hours, or as soon as possible, to access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and hepatitis.
“They were also encouraged to seek counselling and psychosocial support, as such traumatic experiences may lead to mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
“Victims of intimate partner violence were urged to seek assistance immediately for counselling, guidance on applying for protection orders, and developing safety plans,” said Moagi.
Residents were also informed about the mandatory reporting of all forms of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse.
As part of ongoing awareness efforts, the team observes the 25th of every month by wearing black with a touch of orange in solidarity with victims of domestic violence.
“During the outreach, residents were also informed about available support services, office locations, and encouraged to seek help.”
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“The initiative recognises that many individuals face barriers in accessing services, including financial constraints.
“By bringing services directly to communities, the aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the free support available to them,” said Moagi.
