Govt urged to provide safer communities and increased funding for GBV survivors

A KwaZulu-Natal victim of gender-based violence (GBV), who has lost family members to the scourge, has called on the government to create safer communities and provide more resources for survivors.

Kim Houston shared her story, noting that some of her loved ones were killed due to GBV a few years ago.

READ: KZN protesters call on govt to pass strict laws against GBVF

On Friday, she participated in the nationwide shutdown, sounding the alarm about the rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Houston recalled a personal incident of violence she allegedly faced at the hands of her former lover.

"We are tired, we need to... Well, I was in high school when I was abused by my ex-boyfriend. He nearly killed me, basically, he strangled me. I fought and got away. I did not report it, unfortunately, out of fear and shame, and today I stand with these women because I am them and they are me."

Houstonadded that the government should not turn a blind eye to the need to invest in GBVF victims and survivors.

"The government needs to open up more funding and crisis centres for people that need to run and need safe spaces. The government has to create those for women and men."