2023 harvested stories
Accelerating the movement with over 80 team taking on 100-Day Challenges to end GBVF.
Reducing the backlog of sex offence cases
Every quarter we tend to hold our breath upon the release of the quarterly crime statistics. We ask ourselves, have we made any progress towards addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in our country?
In an effort to better serve survivors of GBV, 21 courts in South Africa took on ambitious 100-Day Challenges to address the backlog in sexual offences and improve the case finalisation rate.
The result: A reduction in the backlog of sexual offence cases by 43.4% with a total of 336 cases finalised in 100 days.
Improving the finalization rate of Domestic violence cases
The Domestic Violence teams had a difficult task ahead of them in making the process of a case as simple and effective as possible for the survivor. This did not deter them from setting ambitious 100-Day goals.
The result: During the 100 days, the domestic violence finalisation rate for the participating Limpopo courts increased to 78%. This marked a significant improvement where the finalisation rate sat at 42% before the start of the 100-Day Challenge.
Reducing the backlog of Divorce cases
As the clock started ticking on the first day of the 100-Day Challenge, the air was charged with anticipation and determination. Divorce Teams rallied together, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective to the table. Their mission was clear: to streamline the divorce process, minimise conflict, and prioritise the well-being of all parties involved.
The result: Collectively among all the divorce teams that participated in the 100-Day Challenges, the backlog was reduced by 38.6% A total of 3913 cases were finalised in 100-Days.
Improving Maintenance case finalisation rate
As part of the End GBVF 100-Day Challenge, one of the tasks that were of utmost importance was setting specific goals to ensure clarity, direction and consistency with processing maintenance cases for child support.
The result: Collectively among all the participating courts, the maintenance case finalisation rate was 75%.
How did the Maintenance teams accomplish this?
Seven new Rapid Response Teams established in the Free State
In the Free State, a dedicated team embarked on a journey to confront one of South Africa’s most pressing issues: rapidly responding to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) so that survivors can get the rapid protection that they need. With determination, they launched into a 100-Day Challenge that would leave a lasting impact on communities.
The result: Seven new Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were established in the Thabo Mofutsanyana and Lejweleputswa District Municipalities
Establishing 4 new GBVF hotlines in Mossel Bay.
To provide a reliable and safe space for victims to turn to in time of need, the Mossel Bay End GBVF 100-Day Challenge team, located in the Western Cape, set out to establish GBV hotlines and help desks that are monitored and operational 24 hours a day.
The result: The team managed to achieve their target with 4 fully established hotlines and help desks in Kwanonqaba, Da Gamaskop, Mossel Bay and Great Brak River police stations.
Hosting dialogue circles to discuss GBVF issues among students
Led by a dedicated Team of educators, social workers, and community leaders, the Taletso TVET College team aimed to create more safe spaces on campus by hosting dialogue sessions on different GBV topics. The aim was to delve deep into the root causes of GBV, seeking lasting sustainable solutions that would transform the college environment.
The result: Taletso TVET College created safe spaces and hosted GBVF focused dialogue sessions on three campuses.
Drakenstein Boosts Youth Engagement
In an effort to redirect youth towards positive activities rather than destructive behaviours, the Drakenstein team, based in the Western Cape, committed to their 100-Day Challenge to address the number of GBV incidents by providing a platform for youth to engage in positive recreational activities.
The result: 800 youth participated in positive sporting and recreational activities in the effort to reduce GBV incidents in the community.