This month News 24 reported a concerning increase in the number of gender based violence incidents. Precious Robinson, chairperson of SACSoWACH, a coalition of 33 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which is supporting the Department of Health with its coronavirus response, expressed their concern and were quoted as saying, “The national government’s gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide command centre, which runs a toll-free, 24-7 emergency call centre, recorded that more than 120 000 victims rang the national helpline for abused women and children in the first three weeks after the lockdown started – double the usual volume of calls.”  This same concern was echoed by President Ramaphosa in his recent address to the nation.

There seems to be an increase in stress at households in the Fidelity ADT footprint judging by the comments on Whatsapp and social media community groups regarding people requesting assistance from neighbours when they heard screams. There are also a number of angry and threatening messages directed at neighbours and those breaking the lockdown rules and the curfew.  While this is not yet being reflected in the SAPS statistics, it is definitely something to watch, as evidenced by the increase in calls and the number of loud family disturbances.

Although relatively little official research has been conducted around the effects of the pandemic on mental health, many of our customers are living with the emotional fallout of the crisis. From fear and anxiety of becoming infected and what that might mean for our families, to the stress of trying to keep children entertained (not to mention shielding them from the harsh realities of our current circumstances), to the isolation and loneliness that comes with being locked down and the frustration with spending prolonged periods with family members.

If you are feeling stressed that is not something you need to deal with on your own. The Government website https://www.gov.za/Coronavirus has a list of support toll free numbers anyone can phone. Some of the main numbers include:

Health and support

SAPS gender-based violence service complaints (SAPS)

0800 333 177

complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za

GBV (Gender Based Violence) Command Centre

0800 428 428   /   *120*7867# (free from any cell phone)

SMS Line: 32312

Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Helpline

0800 150 150

People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)