Staff at a care centre for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) have noticed a link between cases of GBV assaults and intoxication.
This is according to Carol van Zyl, the director of the Thuthuzela Care Centre Stellenbosch (TCCS). This centre provides free support, counselling, and medical care to victims of GBV.
The Thuthuzela Care Centre Stellenbosch offers counseling and medical care to victims of gender-based violence. PHOTO: Nadia Swart
“The social impact [of] alcohol and drugs […] those things have a direct impact [on GBV],” said Van Zyl. “The risk of having an incident is higher with any form of intoxication.”
The TCCS’s mission statement is to change victims into survivors, said Van Zyl.
The TCCS offers counselling and medical care to victims of GBV, including students and members of the surrounding communities. This is according to a statement from the Department of Social Development, released on 12 August 2024.
Social workers from the TCCS also act as a bridge between GBV victims and healthcare workers, according to the statement.
The Thuthuzela Care Centre Stellenbosch employs social workers that act as a bridge between GBV victims and healthcare workers. This is according to a statement from the Department of Social Development, released on 12 August 2024. PHOTO: Nadia Swart
Medical services provided at no cost
Some victims might be avoiding visiting the TCCS, as they fear that their guardians might notice medical aid transactions following visits, said registered nurse Estelle Lategan from the TCCS. The fear was however unfounded, according to Lategan.
“[The TCCS] is completely free of charge and students should not be weary of their parents finding out,” said Lategan. “When they are inside our gates, they should feel safe.”
A hand-painted mural inside the Thuthuzela Care Centre Stellenbosch hub, where employees assist victims of gender-based violence with follow-ups and facilitation. PHOTO: Nadia Swart
Working alongside authorities
With the link between intoxication and GBV being notably prevalent, authorities are especially helpful when they know students will be going out or clubbing. This is according to Angeline de Vos, who works alongside the development of the TCCS as Mediclinic’s human resources manager.
The TCCS also works alongside the Stellenbosch Police Department and Campus Security to ensure the safety of the victims of GBV, said De Vos.
“Local police departments and Campus Security personally escort the victims to [the TCCS] to ensure their safety,” she said.