The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development (DSD), along stakeholders the Hawks, GRIP and the Department of Justice, visited Mbombela Taxi Rank to encourage men to report gender-based violence (GBV).

The campaign, forming part of the 16 Days of Activism, took place today, December 7.

The DSD believes that some GBV campaigns have focused on helping women and children and excluded men.

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DSD’s director of restorative services, Gloria Mazibuko, said it is as crucial to focus on helping men to break the stigma that men do not suffer like women.

“We are losing men out there all in the name that they will be ridiculed when they report violence or assault, especially by their partners. Men are also human and are emotional. We need to let them talk about their issues and help them without judgement,” Mazibuko said.

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“We have respective facilities and organisations suitable to help men just as there are for women. Moreover, we want to encourage people to report crimes and to be helped when they are in need,” she said.