Speak up! 24/7 GBV helpline available

Following nationwide protests, President Ramaphosa declared GBV-F (gender-based violence and femicide) a national disaster last week.

The G20 Women’s National Shutdown highlighted the country’s GBV-F crisis.

In response, Rotary clubs are sharing TEARS ‘Speak up – you are not alone’ flyers electronically to raise awareness and connect victims to support.

What is GBV?

GBV is any type of harm used against a person because of their gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It’s not just physical, it can be verbal, psychological, and socio-economic abuse.

Physical violence is beating, burning, kicking, punching, biting and murder.

Sexual violence is rape, forced unsafe sex, stalking, genital mutilation and forced pregnancy and forced abortion.

Verbal violence is humiliating and threatening a person.

While socio-economic violence is taking away the earnings of the victim or not allowing them to have a separate income.

GBV effects include stress, depression, low self-esteem, paranoia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What is TEARS?

The TEARS Foundation, a women-led, anti-sexual violence organisation, provides free support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Help is available 24/7 via their free USSD helpline: 1347355#.

Options include finding the nearest support centre, emergency assistance, and Speak Up Qs answered about pregnancy, rape, sex, relationships and more.

Users can request follow-up via call, WhatsApp, or SMS, including the ‘Emergency – call me now’ option.

“You are not alone. We are able to help you. You do not have to stay silent. Speak up!” say the flyer.

General tips:

• Trust your instincts.

• Memorise emergency numbers.

• Speak to someone you trust.

If you are raped:

• Get to a safe place.

• Don’t bath or change clothes so they can be used as evidence.

• Contact someone you trust.

• Reporting the attack to the police is your choice, but it can help stop others being harmed.

• Write down what you remember for the police report.

At the police station you have the right to:

• Make a statement in private.

• Make it to a female officer.

• Make it in your own language.

• Have someone with you.

Remember to ask for:

• A copy of your statement.

• The Investigating Officer’s name, case number and police station phone number to check the progress of your case.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

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