The effectiveness of Thuthuzela Care Centres came under the spotlight in Parliament on Wednesday, with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) painting a grim picture of the situation in the Eastern Cape.
Long waits for assistance for victims of gender-based violence, a lack of suitably qualified staff, and inadequate transport arrangements were all cited as factors contributing to a lack of dignity for those who’ve come under attack.
The CGE said while the concept of the facilities could not be faulted, visits to 11 centres in the Eastern Cape revealed they were not functioning as intended.
Thuthuzela Care Centres are meant to be at the core of government’s response to assisting GBV victims in getting treatment and support, while enabling the justice system to bring perpetrators to book.
Only one of the 11 centres visited by the commission had a dedicated medical officer, while only three were staffed with dedicated forensic nurses.
The others relied on hospital casualty and outpatient departments.
CGE head of legal Tsietsi Shuping said only four centres attended to patients within the prescribed two-hour period.
“Thirty-six percent of Thuthuzela Care Centres, including Lusikisiki and Mthatha, did not have an official from the SAPS on site,” Shuping said.
Shuping added that the lack of a formal legislated arrangement for these centres made accountability and oversight difficult.
“Without resources, is there commitment without resources? No. No one can be held accountable for that,” he said.
The CGE recommended monthly meetings to identify gaps, better coordination between the Department of Health and the National Prosecuting Authority, and a standardised procedure for handling GBV cases.
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Lindsay Dentlinger
www.ewn.co.za