​Koketso Maraba
 
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Saturday, 31 August, joined Mzansi Act Now for a 5 km walk in Soweto to create awareness and mobilise all sectors of society to make a stand against the pandemic of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). 
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko called for public intervention to break the normalisation of the abuse of women and children, physically and sexually, while they remain silent out of fear or due to economic dependence. She emphasised the importance of breaking the silence and acting now. 
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide remain a crisis in the country and province. In the past financial year alone, Gauteng saw 11,125 new cases of sexual offenses and 4,826 cases of domestic violence. Alarmingly, 31% of these cases were reported more than 72 hours after the incident, and 13% of the survivors tested positive for HIV. These statistics tell a heartbreaking story of suffering, of delayed justice, and of ongoing fear.
"We are steadfast in our fight and response against the scorching pandemic of GBVF and in our effort to ensure sanctuary for the victims we have availed 27 crisis centres through our Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS) to provide comprehensive services," explained MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.  
 
Services offered at the CFMS include:
Assessment of Survivors and Offenders by evaluating those who have experienced sexual and physical assault, as well as alleged offenders.
Evidence Collection and Forensic Analysis by including blood and urine samples from suspects for driving under the influence, as well as forensic examinations for homicide cases.
Crime Scene Support through visiting crime scenes, collecting evidence, and documenting findings.
Medico-Legal Assessments which including age assessments, wound identification, and court appearances to provide expert evidence.
These centres are designed to provide immediate access to medical, psychological, and legal support, with child-friendly consulting rooms and facilities for remote testimony to protect the mental well-being of young survivors. They are vital to ensuring that survivors receive the justice they deserve, and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Tebogo Lerole Mzansi Act Now Chairperson explained that by working collectively society can raise the bar on efforts to eliminate the social acceptance of all forms of violence against women and children by challenging and changing unhealthy social norms and scaling up evidence-based targeted prevention programmes. 
"We aim to mobilise government, communities, and civic organisations, including donor organisations and the private sector, to partner in a social justice movement," said Lerole. 
Clinical Forensic Medical Services Facilities and Thuthuzela Care Centres are open to GBV victims and their operating hours range from eight hours to twelve (12) hours, while others are open for 24 hours. Communities can also contact the Gender-Based Violence command centre at 0800 428 428 for assistance.