The scourge of femicide continues in the province and the country as a whole. OFM News previously reported that at least 3,811 victims were provided with psychosocial support, with 167 women admitted to the safe house and five shelters. On 26 August 2022, the Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, together with the MEC for Social Development Mamiki Qabathe, launched another shelter for victims of GBVF in Sasolburg.

According to Qabathe, the shelter has been established to secure the safety of women and their dependent children either in immediate danger or at risk of violence. She states that this will be done through the provision of psychological support and developmental programmes to survivors of GBVF. Qabathe adds that men and the LGBTQi community, who are in immediate danger or risk of violence, will also be placed at the shelter to ensure their safety.

ALSO READ: Over 3000 victims of #GBV supported in FS

OFM News previously reported that over R3 million was allocated in the previous financial year for the maintenance and improvement of services at women's shelters, dealing with all kinds of violence against women.

Meanwhile, Qabathe explained that the Department of Social Development in the Free State funded the Curios Movement to establish a shelter in the area of Sasolburg after it got a house donated by Eskom. It is also supported by several companies which are in business with Eskom.

ALSO READ: Dignity packs sponsored for #GBV survivors

Qabathe had also recently handed over at least 100 dignity packs to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors in the Welkom area, where there is a high rate of GBV cases. This after explaining that in the next few weeks packages will also be delivered to two GBV shelters - the Goldfields Shelter in Welkom and one at Bloemspruit.

OFM News