Shocking figures revealed at the Newcastle Crisis Centre’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Tuesday, showed that between 25% and 40% of South African women have endured sexual or physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.

In the first quarter of 2025, gender based violence (GBV) statistics showed that 10 688 cases of rape were reported to the SAPS.

Another study from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that 31.1% of women in South Africa have experienced physical violence, and approximately 2.1 million women have been sexually violated.

“Poverty and unemployment are key drivers of child neglect, family breakdown, and abuse,” said Morris Gajoo, Chairperson of the Newcastle Crisis Centre. He noted that rising joblessness has left many households increasingly vulnerable. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and activism, South Africa continues to face an alarming rate of gender-based violence (GBV).

Recently appointed social worker at the Centre, Nomvelo Buthelezi, reported that between April and September 2025, the Crisis Centre opened its doors to 74 victims of sexual assault, abuse, and domestic violence.

“Children were among the survivors and 51 victims of crime and violence were provided with shelter and support services. Four cases were referred to the Department of Social Development (DSD) and two cases were referred to Child Welfare for on-going monitoring and support. Seventeen were safely reunited with their families and three survivors assisted in applying for protection orders,” Buthelezi said.

Gajoo remarked that the fight to end GBV begins with prevention.

“This means that the public and the Crisis Centre must address the way in which boys and men are raised and the way they are socialised. GBV thrives in an environment of silence – where religious bodies, families, and traditions tell the victims to ‘go and work it out’ with their abusive partners.”

Buthelezi told the meeting that the Centre persists in their endeavours and dedication in the face of many challenges.

“Working closely with the DSS, Child Welfare and legal services, our collaborative approach has ensured that survivors are not only safe, but also empowered with tools, knowledge, and access to services to support long-term healing,” she said.

The Centre’s committee thanked Newcastle and the community for their unwavering support and generous donations throughout the year.

The 2025 Management Committee was announced as follows:

•        Morris Gajoo (Chairman),
•        Barbara Shwab (Vice Chairman),
•        Margaret Anderson (Treasurer),
•        Cornalee van der Westhuizen (Secretary)

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