The SPAR Group has announced plans to significantly invest in providing facilities for the practical fight against Gender-based violence (GBV), a hidden crime that happens mostly behind closed doors.
HOW SPAR IS PLANNING TO INVEST IN PRACTICAL GBV SOLUTIONS
While ongoing local and global initiatives, such as the targeted annual 16 Days of Activism, bring the harsh reality of GBV to the fore, Kathryn Baxter, Manager of Socio-Economic Development at The SPAR Group Ltd, emphasised the importance of practical assistance, especially in South Africa.
She highlighted the need for dedicated efforts to aid all victims – women, children, and men – and ensure offenders are brought to justice, contributing to the creation of widespread awareness about GBV.
MILLIONS SPENT TO SUPPORT THE NPA
The SPAR Group is currently investing just over R7 million annually in supporting victims of GBV through partnerships with LifeLine and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa. Additionally, R1.5 million per year is put towards anti-GBV education and awareness drives in schools, in collaboration with TruLife.
“Another sizeable investment is due to be announced in the coming months as we undertake two major projects in our fight against GBV – a rural GBV reporting and support centre and a haven for abused women in KwaZulu Natal, as well as the provision of a DNA laboratory in the province.”
Baxter
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In a nation where 52,000 cases of violence against women are reported each year, and slightly over 50% of all femicides are connected to intimate partners, the national conviction rate for GBV assaults is a mere 3%.
“This number is horrendous. And the situation calls for immediate action”, said Baxter, adding, “It is crucial that facilities are established in under-serviced rural areas where women lack support systems”.
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CENTRES USED BY THE RETAILER TO SUPPORT VICTIMS
Baxter further explained that these initiatives will complement The SPAR Group’s existing partnerships with Lifeline on the SPAR END Gender-Based Violence initiative, and with the NPA through support of its Thuthuzela Care Centres.
In these centres, the NPA ensures that victims receive care from doctors and nurses skilled in collecting and preserving forensic evidence. They have the option to report assaults to on-site police officers, talk to social workers, and get the support necessary to start coping with the trauma they’ve endured. SPAR contributes to these centres by providing personal necessities and groceries valued at R300,000 per month.
“Providing comforts for victims is a small part of what we do, but it is assisting a phenomenal NPA programme that, through its approach, has secured a massive 76.5% conviction record for victims of GBV,” Baxter continued.
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SPAR GROUP VICTIM SUPPORT FOR KZN
Stepping up its support, The SPAR Group has increased its dedication to the NPA by financing a crucial Thuthuzela Care Centre in the Jozini municipal area.
“The centre has been architect-designed with sensitivity and care. It will have facilities where all victims can be treated, access ablution facilities, shower, and rest in temporary accommodation while children play safely in a central courtyard area”, said Baxter.
Although perpetrators will be interviewed and processed in the same building, Baxter explained that the design ensures that victims and abusers never cross paths – something which often occurs in police stations where space is limited and there is a shortage of private rooms.
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