For ten long years, my life was a living hell. As an abuse survivor, I faced life-threatening situations on numerous occasions. Today, I stand with countless other women and children who have endured similar horrors of gender-based violence (GBV) across South Africa. This cruelty can and must be stopped. We need to enact powerful change to ensure that no one else suffers the way we have.

According to the South African Police Service's latest crime statistics, between April 2021 and March 2022, over 137,000 cases of GBV were reported across the country. That's nearly one GBV incident every three minutes! These figures highlight a grim reality that our government and society cannot ignore.

It's time for us to unite and demand immediate, substantial action from our government. We need the implementation of strict laws and rigorous enforcement against perpetrators. Increased funding for shelters and support systems is crucial, along with comprehensive education and intervention programs aimed at prevention.

We call on President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Department of Social Development, and all relevant South African authorities to prioritize GBV as the national crisis that it is. We need dedicated task forces focused on tackling not just the symptoms but the root causes of GBV, empowering communities to protect and uplift each other.

Your voice is powerful. By signing this petition, you will be making a profound statement demanding justice and creating a safer future for all women and children in South Africa. Join me in this essential battle for change and ensure that the cycle of violence is broken. Please sign this petition now to make a difference.