"From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence."

Every minute, children and women are being abused in South Africa. In the time it takes you to read this article, how many more will have been raped, injured, violated in some way, or even killed? Violence against women and children has existed forever, but it has until recently been a hidden shame. Victims were made to feel guilty for what happened to them, and they were encouraged to not speak out against the perpetrators.

History of the campaign

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. Participants chose the dates in order to link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights. This 16-day period also coincides with other significant dates including November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, December 1, World AIDS Day, and December 6, which marks the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.

The Campaign is part of an international strategy to end all forms of violence against women and children.

The new constitution of South Africa and our very empowering legislation have recognised equality as one of the foundations for our democracy. Victims of acts of violence and brutality are encouraged to speak out and report abuse.  Society is encouraged to work together to empower and support the victims of abuse. Most important, we are all part of the effort to end this cycle of destruction.

South Africans are being called on to fight violence against women and children. SA is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women campaign, which takes place from 25 November (International Day for the eradication of Violence Against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on December 10. The global campaign focuses on women only, but South Africa added children to its campaign because of the high incidence of child abuse in this country.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign calls upon all South Africans to affirm a truce on violence against women and children - and to make it a permanent one. The Department of Correctional Services proposed a white ribbon which symbolises the commitment of the wearer to "never commit or condone violence against women and children, and to speak out about violence where they see it." By wearing these ribbons for the duration of the 16-day period, people will provide an effective and striking visual tool through which to draw campaign support.

THE CAMPAIGN'S PURPOSE

• To generate an increased level of awareness amongst South Africans pertaining to the incidence of violence perpetuated against women and children, how it manifests itself within South African society and the negative impact on these vulnerable groups;
• To challenge perpetrators of these offences to change their behaviour;
• To enhance and increase partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, organised labour, sectoral groups, the faith based organisations, the media (electronic and print) and the diplomatic community in an effort to spread the message;
• To align events in the national programme with that of the international theme for this year, which focuses on matters relating to Women's Health;
• To raise funds for NGOs that work within the sector, providing invaluable support to the victims and survivors of violence;
• To communicate through the most effective and appropriate channels aiming to reach the maximum number of people across the country, particularly women and children residing in rural areas;
• To engage actively with men and boys in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, our communities and in the workplace; and
• To highlight the stories of survivors of gender-based violence and the impact that the campaign has had on their lives.

In 2011 the 16 days of activism campaign will be undertaken under the Theme: "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence."

The five sub-themes will be:

• Bringing together women, peace, and human rights movements to challenge militarism
• Proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence
• Sexual violence in and after conflict
• Political violence against women, including Pre/During/Post-election violence
• Sexual and gender based violence committed by the police and armed forces

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN

• Wear your white ribbon with pride and compassion
• Speak out against women and child abuse.
• Join in the events that are part of this campaign, so that you declare your support actively.

Where to get help

• Counselling and support for women
  • National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline) 0861 322 322
  • Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline 0800 150 150
  • People Opposed to Women Abuse 011 642 4345
  • Family and Marriage Society of South Africa 012 460 0733
  • National Network on Violence Against Women 012 321 4959
• Counselling and support for children
  • Childline 0800 055 555
• Social Security
  • Child support grants 0800 601 011
• Healthcare
  • Marie Stopes clinics 0800 11 77 85
  • Depression and Anxiety Group 011 783 1474
  • AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
  • AID for AIDS 0860 100 646
• Legal assistance
  • Legal Aid Board 011 845 4311
  • Lawyers for Human Rights 011 339 1960
• Campaigns for men who support no violence
  • Men as Partners Project 011 833 0504
• Information
  • Sexual Harassment Education Project 011 403 0541
  • Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 011 403 5650
• South African Police Service
  • 10111
  • Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567

To find out what the government is doing to mark the 16 Days, click here.

For more information, follow the links below:

• South Africa.info
• Capegateway
• Womensnet
• FHR

Page Updated: 22 November 2011