Report cases of GBVF to the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre

• South Africans are reminded that help is at hand any time of the day or night when dealing with gender-based violence and femicide.
• The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre can be contacted free of charge on 0800 428 428.
• The centre is operated by professional social workers who are skilled in telephonic trauma counselling.

The Department of Social Development wishes to remind all South Africans to report all cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre.

This is a 24-hour contact centre for victims and survivors of GBVF. The command centre’s toll-free number is 0800 428 428.

Established in 2013, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is an emergency contact centre operated by professional social workers skilled in telephonic trauma counselling.

The centre can refer cases of GBVF to the South African Police Service and other emergency services to ensure that holistic support interventions are provided to victims.

Since its launch, the command centre has received over 100 000 reports of various forms of abuse, including physical assault, rape, sexual and emotional abuse, femicide, and child abuse, offering immediate telephonic trauma counselling and referrals for comprehensive support.

From December 2024 to June 2025, the command centre received 47 666 inbound calls and made 17 165 outbound calls.

In June alone, 6 139 inbound calls were recorded, and 2 388 outbound calls were made as part of ongoing intervention and support to victims of GBVF.

During the same month, the command centre dealt with 108 physical assaults, 13 rape cases, three sexual assaults, 60 cases of emotional abuse, and 55 cases of child abuse.

In all of the cases reported, women and children were reported as victims, underscoring the importance of intensifying programmes to empower women as the country commemorates women’s month under the theme: “Building resilient economies for all”.

Recent fourth quarter crime statistics show a concerning increase in sexual offences, including 10 688 cases of rape and 236 contact sexual offences, despite declines in other crime categories.

This trend reinforces the vital role the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre can play in response, care, and healing.

Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved the nation’s 90-Day Accelerated Programme against GBVF to drive a coordinated effort across government to fast-track interventions, strengthen support services, and enhance institutional capacity through prioritised actions.

As this intensified effort gains momentum, the command centre stands ready to respond and support survivors.

Reporting abuse remains the first step toward protection, justice, and healing.

This Women’s Month, the Department of Social Development reaffirms that help is always within reach.

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre continues its mission to protect and empower survivors, reinforcing our commitment to a safer and more caring society.

• *Citizens are urged to call the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre’s toll-free number on 0800 428 428, 24 hours a day.*