16 Days of Activism Campaign #COUNTMEIN

The national 16 days campaign, promoting activism for no violence against women and children, kicks off on 25 November.  It will once again place the safety of women and children under the spotlight until 10 December.

Violence takes many forms, including physical violence in the form of domestic violence and crimes like murder, robbery, rape, and assault.  It also includes emotional violence and trauma at many levels in the home, at work, at school and even on the street.  Other terrible forms of violence occur when poverty, starvation, unemployment, humiliation, and degradation thrive in communities.

The objectives of the campaign are to:

• Encourage all South Africans to be active participants in the campaign to prevent violence against women and children, hence the theme: #Countmein;
• Expand accountability beyond the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster to include all government clusters and provinces;
• Combine technology, social media, the arts, journalism, religion, culture, and business to draw attention to the many ways violence on women and children affect the lives of people worldwide;
• Mobilise communities to promote a collective responsibility in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children;
• Encourage society to acknowledge that violence against women and children is not a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem.  Failure to view it as such cause the campaign to fail.

The solution lies in all of us!  We all must take a stance in support of this campaign.  How can you show your support?

• By wearing a white ribbon as a symbol of your commitment to never commit or condone violence against women and children.
• Participate in the events organised all over the City of Tshwane.
• Volunteer in support of NGO’s and community groups who support abused women and children.  Many of these organisations, like Child Welfare Tshwane, needs assistance from the public – volunteer your time or make a contribution to the work of Child Welfare Tshwane.  Use your skills and knowledge to help the victims of abuse.
• Speak out against women and child abuse.  Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help; report child abuse to the police; encourage children to report bullying to the school authorities; men and boys should also be encouraged to talk about abuse. 
• It is important to get help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner or children. You can call the STOP GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE HELPLINE on 0800150150.
• Try to understand how your own attitude and actions might perpetuate sexism and violence. 

For more information or to get assistance, contact Child Welfare Tshwane on 0763485164 or ra@childwelfare.co.za