The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) has issued an urgent call for increased awareness and support as the festive season begins, warning that the period often sees a spike in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases.
With GBVF officially classified as a national disaster in SA, the movement says the holidays present heightened risks for women, as more people spend extended periods at home, sometimes in volatile environments.
According to the NSMSA, the festive season is often associated with increased reports of abuse, placing additional strain on shelters and support services. The organisation operates a toll-free, 24-hour National GBV Shelter Helpline, which is dedicated to placing survivors into safe houses and shelters across the country.
NSMSA helpline Agent Lucia Mogale says several factors contribute to the rise in cases during this time.
“The reason that it goes high is that most people are at home,” Mogale explains. “In some cases, it means they are not going to school or work, so most individuals are around the home to rest.”
She adds that the festive focus on family can also be triggering for some survivors.
“Everyone is now focused on spending time with family, which for other people might not be the same situation,” Mogale says.
The NSMSA continues to urge communities, families, and institutions to remain vigilant and to support survivors by reporting abuse and making use of available helplines and shelter services during the festive period.
–ChannelAfrica–
