#DiscoverYourVoice with Discovery's support for victims of gender-based violence?

South Africa's 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December, which is also International Human Rights Day. The campaign raises awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and society.
According to UN Women, around 736 million women (almost one in three) globally have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives.
In 2023, South Africa continues to experience exceptionally high levels of violence against women and children.

• The World Bank reports that the rate at which women are killed by their intimate partners in South Africa is five times higher than the global average.
• The 2022/2023 crime statistics released by the South Africa Police Service show that 42,780 rapes were reported in the year, an increase of 2.5% from 2021/2022; with 7,483 sexual assaults being reported during the same period.
• Between July and September 2023, 1,514 incidents of attempted murder, involving female victims were reported. And women were victims in 14,401 assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm incidents reported to the SAPS during the same three-month period.

#DiscoverYourVoice today with 24/7 emergency services, trauma support line and additional benefits

"For the global 16 days of activism campaign this year, UN Women is asking everyone to 'UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls'," says Faeed Dhan, Product Manager and member of the Discovery CSI Committee. "At the core of Discovery's values is a commitment to the equality and empowerment of women and children. We believe in a world where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from the fear of violence."
"We recognise how important it is to play an active role in working towards a society that is free from gender-based violence (GBV). That's why, with our #DiscoverYourVoice programme, we are committed to providing our Discovery Health Medical Scheme members with immediate and confidential emergency services and trauma support when they are faced with GBV."
If you are experiencing GBV, you can access direct support via the Discovery911 Emergency Line 0860 999 911. The #DiscoverYourVoice programme has a dedicated option for trauma associated with GBV and you will be put directly in touch with a specialist. The specialist will be able to direct you to:

• Any emergency support that may be needed (such as hospitalisation or medical treatment)
• Offer counselling support sessions
• Arrange appropriate consultations with various healthcare professionals
• Practical advice, such as where to access places of safety or how to get a protection order

The programme will provide additional Scheme benefits, as required by your unique circumstances.

• Find out more about our trauma cover.
• Discovery also proudly supports NGOs dedicated to combating GBV, such as the TEARS Foundation and Bethany Home

You can also get immediate emergency assistance in a medical emergency by clicking on the "Emergency assist" button on your Discovery Health App. This feature also allows you to request a call back. Or, use the 'Speak to a doctor now' function in the Get care section of the App to speak to a doctor at any time of the day or night.
These support channels are available 24/7 throughout the year, are completely confidential, and cost nothing to the person who is looking for help.

Where to get support

Discovery Health Medical Scheme members can call 0860 999 911 to access Discovery's emergency services and trauma support benefits.

Other important numbers:

• TEARS Foundation: 010 590 5920, or dial *134*7355# and follow the prompts to connect to emergency services, info@tears.co.za
• Lawyers against Abuse: 072 031 1840 or info@lva.org.za
• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 24-hour helpline 0800 45 67 89
• The National Department of Social Development emergency line: 0800 428 428; or dial *120*7867# for a 'please call me' service.
• Childline (for child victims of child abuse): 0800 05 55 55
• LifeLine runs a 24-hour counselling emergency hotline: 0861 32 23 22

Empower yourself by listening to our three-part podcast on GBV

Discovery has put together a three-part podcast series covering everything you need to know about understanding and responding to gender-based violence.

• Listen to Part 1, 2 and 3 of Episode 10 in the Discover Healthier podcast series to hear experts who share advice on dealing with GBV - Mara Glennie, who started the TEARS Foundation, Trauma Counsellor Lana Snoyman and former Miss South Africa, Sasha-Lee Laurel (a GBV survivor).

References

https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-bheki-cele-second-quarter-crime-statistics-20232024-17-nov-2023-0000#:~:text=Women%20and%20children,-
The%20statistics%20show&text=Between%20July%20and%20September%202023%2C%201%20514%20incidents%20of%20attempted,police%20during%20the%20reporting%20period
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10091185/#CIT0002
https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2023/11/in-focus-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/socialsustainability/brief/violence-against-women-and-girls