GBVCC REPORTS AN INCREASED NUMBER OF CHILD ABUSE CASES DAILY

By Precious Mupenzi

• The GBVCC operates around the clock, staffed by trained social service professionals offering real-time counselling, crisis intervention, and referrals to survivors of abuse.
• ⁠The Centre maintains strict confidentiality protocols, allowing victims to remain anonymous unless law mandates disclosure.
• The GBVCC acts as a central hub connecting SAPS, healthcare services, shelters, and social workers. Especially during government campaigns like the 90-Day Blitz Against GBVF, this integration ensures fast, coordinated responses when they matter most.

Since December 2024, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) has recorded between 17 and 68 child abuse cases each month—an alarming statistic that underscores the persistent and deeply rooted dangers many children face daily across South Africa.
DSD News interviewed Ms Carol Tladi, Manager at the GBV Command Centre, to discuss how the Centre operates, trends in reported cases, and the broader role it plays in the government’s efforts against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Tladi’s insights provide an overview of the activities and outcomes at the Centre.

A National Helpline With a Human Touch

The GBV Command Centre is far more than a call centre. It is a lifeline—staffed 24/7 by trained social service professionals who offer immediate counselling, information, and coordinated referrals to survivors of abuse. According to Tladi, the Centre’s core mandate is “to provide real-time support to victims of GBV through a secure, professional, and compassionate response system.”
Whether it’s a child facing abuse, a concerned neighbour reporting neglect, or an adult struggling with trauma, the GBVCC offers structured support via telephone, email, or text. Each case is recorded in a secure digital system, assigned a unique ticket number, and followed through to resolution.

Spotlight on Children: Patterns That Cannot Be Ignored

Ms. Tladi notes that bullying, although reported less frequently (1 to 8 cases per month), indicates a persistent issue affecting children’s safety and emotional well-being. These trends highlight the necessity for ongoing awareness campaigns, education, and effective child protection services at both community and national levels.

The Cases Behind the Calls

Behind the statistics are real people—real lives affected. Tladi shared examples of recent cases to illustrate the complex and deeply personal nature of the reports the Centre handles.
Physical Assault and Discrimination
In January, a 33-year-old LGBTQI+ caller reported being assaulted by a family member who disapproved of his sexuality. He alleged that police failed to take his report seriously, and family members sided with the perpetrator. The GBVCC provided counselling, compiled a referral report, and connected him to the National Shelter Movement for safe accommodation.
Childhood Trauma and Anger
A man seeking help for anger issues traced his struggles back to childhood neglect. “He grew up in a home where his parents prioritised work over parenting,” Tladi explains. “We helped him reflect on his experiences and connected him to field social workers for ongoing anger management support.”

A Toddler in Trouble

A four-year-old girl was reportedly living in a tavern with her grandfather—unbathed, unsupervised, and exposed to harmful environments. Despite the family’s denial of any neglect, the Centre escalated the case for field investigation, citing the Children’s Act and the Bill of Rights as justification for urgent intervention.

Integration With government’s 90-Day Blitz

Tladi emphasised that during intensive periods, such as the current 90-Day Blitz Against GBVF, the Centre’s role becomes even more critical.
“The Command Centre acts as a bridge—linking SAPS, health services, shelters, and social workers in a coordinated, timely response. We make sure the right help gets to the right place, fast.”
This multi-agency integration enables a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, response, and care—especially when rapid intervention can save lives.

What Happens When You Call the GBV Command Centre?

The process is seamless but powerful. Callers receive:
•⁠ ⁠Immediate emotional support from qualified professionals
•⁠ ⁠Crisis management, including escalation to emergency services when necessary
•⁠ ⁠Case logging and ticket tracking for follow-up
•⁠ ⁠Referrals to shelters, provincial social workers, or NGOs for face-to-face support
•⁠ ⁠Guidance on legal rights and available resources
Not every call is an emergency. Many are from people needing advice, clarity, or emotional reassurance.
“Every voice matters—whether it’s seeking help or simply needing to talk,” Tladi adds.
Ensuring Confidentiality and Fast Response
•⁠ ⁠Confidentiality is the backbone of the GBVCC’s work. All data is stored in a secure Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, accessible only to authorised personnel.
•⁠ ⁠Victims can remain anonymous, and no personal details are shared without consent—unless required by law.
“This protection builds trust,” Tladi says. “People call us because they know their story is safe here.”
In high-risk cases, immediate action is taken. “We conference in SAPS, capture exact locations, and follow up within 30 minutes to ensure help has arrived.”

Empowering Children and Communities

Tladi believes that children must be taught to speak out—and know they are not alone.
“They need to understand that their voice matters. Even if they’re afraid, there are ways to report anonymously and get help.”
She urges communities to share hotline numbers widely and educate children at school, at home, and in places of worship.