Department of Health marks 16 Days of Activism
This year, the theme in South Africa is Enough is Enough – 356 Days to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
With the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Health has reminded women what to do after they have been raped.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
This year, the theme in South Africa is Enough is Enough – 356 Days to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
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The official opening of the campaign took place in Limpopo.
The Gauteng Department of Health says the clinical forensic medical services (CFMS) offers specialised healthcare services for sexual assault, domestic violence and other violent acts across all levels of healthcare service.
The procedure to report a sexual or rape case to CFMS is:
• Go to the nearest health facility as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours after the assault or rape.
• You do not need to open a police case to receive health services.
• You may go to the nearest police station before you go for medical examination and if so, the police or support organisation will take you to the health facility for examination.
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Additionally, the South African Government website encourages everyone to play their part in curbing the abuse of women and children by doing the following.
• Be an activist against GBV in your homes, communities, work and positions.
• Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level.
• Reject and report abusers – act and don’t look away.
• Do not protect abusers, report them.
• Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence.
• Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser – stop abuse.
• Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
• Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims – share helpful information and support causes near you.
• Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours, such as alcohol and substance abuse.
• Teach children values of gender equality.
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• Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation.
• Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
• Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.
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