Surge in GBV calls puts emergency response under scrutiny
More women seek GBV help as emergency response gaps emerge
A surge in calls to South Africa's Gender-Based Violence Command Centre has prompted scrutiny of emergency response systems. Between September 1 and 16, the 24-hour centre recorded 6 782 calls, a 21% increase from the previous month. The highest daily figure was on September 16, with 589 calls. South African Police Service (SAPS) 10111 policing service, which handles these calls, is operating with reduced capacity in nearly 45% of operational centres, according to parliamentary information.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed that the Cisco Unified Communications Manager used by 10111 systems has reached End-of-Life, leaving it without software updates, security patches, or manufacturer support. Gender specialist Lisa Vetten highlighted the need to consider both the growing number of women seeking help and the emergency services' ability to respond.
She warned that a dysfunctional emergency system could embolden perpetrators and undermine women's trust in the system. Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike stressed that the issue goes beyond the telephone being answered, emphasizing the need to examine the entire protection chain, from prevention to post-assistance.
SAPS has acknowledged monitoring the operational capacity of its 10111 emergency call centres and implementing contingency measures when challenges arise.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
