Probe reveals problems with shelters

AN INVESTIGATION into the state of shelters for victims of violence, gender-based violence, and members of the LGBTI community showed there were deep-rooted systemic challenges which needed the attention of state institutions.

Conducted by the Commission for Gender Equality after it received numerous complaints from victims, the investigation was done in all provinces in the 2018/19 financial year.

It analysed shelter staffing, shelter capacity and accommodation criteria, periods of stay and survivor readiness to exit the shelter, shelter funding and resources, and record keeping and ethics confidentiality. The Department of Social Development was also requested to provide the commission with information including budget allocation to shelters, and measures and programmes to support shelters.

The commission found that there was a lack of adequate funding for shelters, late payment of tranches and a lack of co-operation, and in some shelters building, facility infrastructure and security posed a problem.

“Based on the outcomes of our investigation, it’s evident that there are deep-rooted systemic challenges which need adequate attention of state institutions who bear the responsibility to make provisions for the protection of survivors of gender-based violence, to be addressed at the highest level of institutions expected to offer services to survivors of violence.

“In light of the above, it’s highly plausible that we may be in breach of the provisions of Sections 24 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. More importantly, the findings have a bearing on the following domestic legislation and policy: under the Constitution of the Republic, the right to equality and right to dignity. It’s anticipated that the public investigative hearings will lead to a further recommendation report which will look into matters concerning policy and practice in the sheltering of survivors of violence,” the commission said.

Acting commission chairperson Tamara Mathebula said the commission had recommended that urgent action on the part of department be taken to instil safeguards within its contract management system.

DSD spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said the department acknowledged the challenge of inadequate funding and unit-cost disparities in various provinces as mentioned in the report.

“The Department is prioritising the framework and implementation guidelines to assist all provinces to implement the policy in a similar way – including realistic and undeviating unit costs within the budget allocated by Treasury,” she said.