Abafazi Bethu calls for urgent funding for GBV survivors

Anti-gender-based violence NGO, Philisa Abafazi Bethu, says urgent funding is needed to ensure survivors of gender-based violence receive the support they need.

Commemorating the 16 Days of Activism, the organisation, together with the Department of Social Development, launched a new shelter for cisgender men and members of the queer community.

Activist Lucinda Evans said the cause could use the help and funding of the business community.

READ: Parliamentary action on gender-based violence council finally underway

The new shelter received more than R500 000 in funding from the regional Department of Social Development.

"We need to see the emergency funding happening, and we need funding as well with these services that we are running. Now we want to say to businesses that they need to help and support these services." Evans said

Evans added that hospitals and courtrooms have also been approached to refer victims of gender-based and domestic violence to the organisation.

"But what we want, the other gap is in trauma rooms where the assault, the male was assaulted, or the LGBTQIA plus person was assaulted, and have not gone to Tutuzela. There is the other service, which I'm publicly asking, please send the client if they need the help."