This year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children will start on Friday (25/11) and run until 10 December, a time frame in which International Human Rights Day is included.
The campaign calls for the eradication of, among related social ills, gender-based violence (GBV).
Men are encouraged to amplify the voices of women by stepping up, standing up and speaking up for their mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers, cousins and aunts.
The Tears Foundation calls for communities to join forces against GBV.
As a South African-based, non-profit organisation, Tears assists any victim of GBV. While men and boys are also victims of GBV, the advocacy group has stressed that this atrocity disproportionately affects women and girls.
“Men can no longer continue to allow the violence to perpetuate. Remaining silent when knowing of or witnessing any acts of violence against women and children, makes them complicit in this savage act. It is time for men to stop being silent; it is time for men to refuse to condone violence against women and children. It is time for men to challenge traditional norms influencing notions of manhood and the crisis of masculinity; it is time for men to take accountability; it is time for men to break the cycle,” stated the foundation.
The foundation provides access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by GBV, domestic violence and child sexual abuse through various portals. Those seeking help can dial *134*7355# or reach out through the helpline at 010-590-5920 – standard rates apply.
