16 days of activism campaign

The campaign’s 2014 slogan is “Count Me In: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward”, and its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse of all forms.

“South Africans are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon, a symbol of peace, during the 16-day period to symbolise their commitment to never commit or condone violence against women or children,” says Chantal Cronje, legal adviser from Legal and Tax.

• Legal and Tax identifies ways that everyone can get involved in the fight against women and child abuse:
• Speak out against and report woman and child abuse. Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help.
• Men are critical partners in the fight against the abuse of women and children. Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
• Families must stick together to create a safe environment for women and children.
• Parents and adults can make sure that children are not exposed to sexual and violent material such as pornography.
• Volunteer some of your time and energy in support of a non-governmental organisation or community group working in your area to help abused women and children. Use your life skills and knowledge to help support victims of abuse.
• Engage in online dialogues such as the Cyber Dialogues organised by Gender Links, which provides a platform to share issues and experiences and offer solutions, with experts participating in the online chats.
• Get connected with important contacts and information published on Women’s Net.
• Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children.
• Report illegal guns to the police. According to the International Action Network on Small Arms Women’s Network, women are three times more likely to die violently if there is a gun in the home.

For more information contact Legal and Tax on 0860 587 587; www.legalandtax.co.za; email info@legalandtax.co.za or call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150