Announcements

16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children

Every year, between 25 November and 10 December, we commemorate 16 Days of Activism for violence against women and children. Although the campaign runs for 16 days, it is important to support the no violence against women and children message throughout the year. 

We urge Unisa students to get involved with this campaign. Speak out against violence and abuse, and most importantly, do not commit violence against anyone. Violence against women and children is a health and wellness issue. 

The 16 Days of Activism campaign urges people from all genders and all lifestyles to stand against abuse.

What is the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign?

  • It is a worldwide campaign to oppose violence against women and children.
  • It aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to permanently rid society of abuse.

When does the campaign take place?

  • The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year however, the success of this campaign rests on our daily individual and collective actions to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse.

What is abuse?

Any form of behavior that causes:

  • fear
  • bodily harm
  • emotional harm
  • a person to do things against their will

Warning signs of abuse

These are the common signs and symptoms of abuse mostly in a relationship, however the list is endless, as some forms of abuse are subtle and some may not necessarily have visible signs.

  • Extreme jealousy
  • Possessiveness
  • Unpredictability
  • A bad temper
  • Cruelty to animals
  • Verbal abuse
  • Extremely controlling behavior
  • Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
  • Forced sex or disregard of their partner's unwillingness to have sex
  • Sabotage of birth control methods or refusal to honor agreed upon methods
  • Blaming the victim for anything bad that happens
  • Sabotage or obstruction of the victim's ability to work or attend school
  • Controls all the finances
  • Abuse of other family members, children or pets
  • Accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair
  • Control of what the victim wears and how they act
  • Demeaning the victim either privately or publicly
  • Embarrassment or humiliation of the victim in front of others
  • Harassment of the victim at work (NCADV, 2018)

Forms of abuse

Abuse can occur in many different forms. These are the most common forms:

(Graph populated with information from womenagainstabuse.org)

The Parliament of South Africa has passed laws to protect the rights of individuals against violence and abuse. These laws are:

(Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, 2018)

 Where to go for help

Should you be a victim of violence against women and children, it is important that you receive help. You can approach the following services for help.

  • Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
  • Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453)
  • SAPS: 08600 10111
  • Childline:  08000 55 555
  • Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250.
  • LifeLine 24-hour crisis helpline: 021 461 1111

 You may also get assistance from Unisa Student Health and Wellness as follows:

 In order to join the campaign and spread its message, please follow, share and repost #UNISAActivistAgainstAbuse

(Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, 2018)


 Where to go for help

Should you be a victim of violence against women and children, it is important that you receive help. You can approach the following services for help.

  • Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
  • Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453)
  • SAPS: 08600 10111
  • Childline:  08000 55 555
  • Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250.
  • LifeLine 24-hour crisis helpline: 021 461 1111

You may also get assistance from Unisa Student Health and Wellness as follows:

 In order to join the campaign and spread its message, please follow, share and repost #UNISAActivistAgainstAbuse

Publish date: 2018-11-30 00:00:00.0