Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response Programme

This programme aims to strengthen the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Gender Inequality by providing awareness and resources to children, youth, educators, parents, community based organisations, social services and community members of both genders on what GBV is and how to stop it.

The South African constitution guarantees to all its citizens the freedom from all forms of violence including gender based violence, but sadly many of the communities still face the scourge of gender based violence.

Research has shown that many women do not report or seek care after abuse because violence is seen as a normal portion of life in rural areas (Palermo, Black & Peterman).  Lack of access to economic opportunities means many women and girl’s are economically dependant on their abuser and have limited choices to leave an abusive situation.

One of DOCKDA’s aims is that through both physical infrastructure and the dissemination of information some of the most vulnerable members of rural communities, women and children, will be safeguarded against GBV while the mindset of normalising gender based violence will be eliminated.   

The Programme includes

• Capacity building by means of training, skills development and mentoring of local community based organisations (CBOs) in managing GBV prevention and response programmes, hosting support groups, facilitating awareness campaigns and offering psycho-social support within the organisation for care for the carer and within the greater community
• Providing a safe house for victims of sexual assault and gender based violence was established as a pilot project in the community of Bothithong and promoting the establishment of safe spaces within communities, community based organisations or home based carers homes for women and children
• Micro-grant making of monetary grants to community based organisations to run awareness campaigns during the 16 Days of Activism.
• Awareness campaigns include the distribution of GBV safety booklets that discuss sexual offence, what a protection order is, how to report an incident of sexual abuse or assault by using the J88 form. Distribution of information flyers and posters to raise awareness of where to seek help in the community. Use of social media, SMS and WhatsApp to share information. Radio interviews to raise awareness. Hold door to door campaigns and information talks at soup kitchens, church groups, support groups and places where people gather to raise awareness of GBV prevention. Safety Talks are held with learners and educators at schools to raise awareness around sexual offences, domestic violence and individual rights to one’s body and where to access support from services in the community. Marches by community based organisations and stakeholders in the community to mark important days such as 16 Days of Activism.
• Establishment of support groups for survivors of GBV, those trying to overcome addictions to alcohol and drugs and support groups offering trauma and debriefing support
• Community dialogues, Lekgotlas and stakeholder engagement events marking days such as Human Rights Day, Youth Day, Women’s Day and the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children