While South Africa’s government and all its essential care providers are hard at work, leading the fight against Covid-19, it’s quite sad to know that civilians are in another battle… a battle against Gender Based Violence.  Statistics show that since the national lockdown was implemented, reported cases of Gender Based Violence have spiked from less than 1500 to over 5000 per week.

This spike has rightfully raised the ire of government and civic organisations and prompted a response from various organisations, including the #NoExcuse initiative which is driven by Carling Black Label. 

It is certainly a very concerning development which not only the brand is faced with, but the country in its entirety as nobody knows how many cases remain unreported. 

As a brand that is committed to recognizing the champion within, Carling Black Label wants to encourage people to be brave and give them a way to get help. The WhatsApp line they have recently launched will give victims of abuse (men or women) a way to get counselling silently. 

Their new approach is simple, really. People can send the word BRAVE to 0800 150 150 via WhatsApp and get in touch with the right organisation to get the help they need. They will also be partnering with other corporate entities, government departments as well as affiliates such as Takuwani Riime and the Men’s Sector to grow awareness of the service and remove barriers to getting assistance.

 

While #NoExcuse has always encouraged victims to be brave and report immediately, there are other socio-economic problems that need to be considered. Given the various circumstances people find themselves in during the lockdown, it may prove to be difficult for victims of abuse to call for help. So, the text-based service will enable them to silently send a text for help, without being detected.

As a person who has experienced Gender Based Violence first-hand as a kid (like many others have), I am appealing to everyone to help:

 1. raise awareness about this Helpline number, as people should know there is help available to them (both men and women)

2.      2. provide people (not just victims) with insight on the WhatsApp functionality and that help is only one Brave text away (BRAVE to 0800 150 150 via WhatsApp)

For more information, you can visit the #NOEXCUSE website on www.noexcusesa.com or follow the conversation by visiting the Carling Black Label verified pages on social media.

There is #NoExcuse for men to abuse women, and #NoExcuse for men to stand by and do nothing when others abuse women and children!