Shelters lack capacity, funds

AN OVERSIGHT inspection of the Kimberley Shelter has resulted in renewed calls for the provision of care to victims of gender-based violence and increased funding of shelters to be prioritised.

“While staff at the shelter are doing their best with what they have, it is very troubling to note that the shelter has a very limited bed capacity and can only accommodate five overnight clients at any given time,” explained DA provincial spokesperson, Safiyia Stanfley.

“This is especially problematic over celebratory holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter, when the shelter is often filled to capacity due to the link between higher levels of alcohol consumption and increased levels of violence.

“The limited bed capacity is also a challenge given that most victims are housed for at least two to three months, or until court proceedings are eventually concluded and it is safe for them to return to their homes.”

Stanfley said that the shelter was also understaffed and was not able to provide basic services, such as counselling or legal and financial advisory services to women who are trying to escape the cycle of abuse.

“This is most unfortunate given that the victims who are referred to the Kimberley Shelter tend to be mostly unemployed women who are financially dependent on their partners.

“It is worrying that, despite so much talk about eradicating violence against women and children, the Department of Social Development is doing so little for victims of abuse. In fact, while domestic violence in the Province has increased, the bed capacity of shelters in Kimberley that receive funding from the state has in fact decreased.

Support for the Kimberley Shelter, and other shelters, must be augmented. Otherwise campaigns against violence will be futile.”