Fears that KZN could see increase in GBV cases following unrest
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa says it's concerned about the impact of the recent unrest on gender-based violence and intimate partner violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is worried the recent riots and lootings may have exacerbated the crisis.
The movement is a gender justice organisation with 98 shelters for abused women and children across the country.
Its KZN representative Analisa Naidoo says while shelters try to survive with limited resources, staff and social workers are having to deal with rising tensions.
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Naidoo says their main concern is the safety and mental and emotional well-being of victims, especially those who couldn't get to hospitals or clinics.
"We are anticipating there to be an increase in levels of gender-based violence, especially within KZN.
"If we look at the underlying contributions towards domestic violence and intermate partner violence, its stems from unemployment as well as poverty and poor economic statuses within the communities and with many job losses and people going hungry, we fear that an increase is slowly rising."
