During the global 16 Days of Activism campaign against violence against women and children, South African shelters for women and children are concerned about funding shortages, which could lead to many returning to their abusers or becoming homeless. Shelters are also concerned about a repeat of the Life Esidemeni tragedy if the government does not provide adequate funding to address the skills gap among workers.
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and children. Each year, the event highlights the importance of supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence, while calling for concrete action to combat the scourge.
In South Africa, shelters and drop-in centres for women and children who are victims of violence play a crucial role in their protection and rehabilitation. However, these facilities face many challenges, including a lack of funding that compromises their ability to provide essential services.
The risk that these victims will return to their abusers due to the lack of safe and secure shelters is a real threat. Furthermore, the situation is all the more worrying as many shelter workers lack the skills to effectively accompany and support survivors of violence.
The fear of a repeat of the tragedy at Life Esidemeni, where psychiatric patients died due to serious neglect, is also present among those involved in the fight against domestic violence in South Africa. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to ensure that these shelters have the resources they need to adequately carry out their mission.
In conclusion, the issue of protecting women and children who are victims of violence must be a top priority for the South African authorities. Urgent action is needed to ensure that these victims receive the support and assistance they need to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.