Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women

The Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women is part of the South African National Network on Violence Against Women which is the coordinating body. It represents both urban and rural areas.

Our History

During 1989 a grouping of a number of organisations called Coordinated Action for Battered Women (CABW) was formed. Some of the founding members included NICRO, Rape Crisis and FAMSA. CABW focussed on direct services (counselling and legal aid) to abused women, education and training for service providers, media, shelters, courts and police. From the shelter group emerged the Salvation Army's Carehaven. A manual, Behind Closed Doors, was developed by Catholic Welfare and Development.

In 1994 CABW was represented at the first National conference on Woman Abuse in South Africa held at UNISA, and assisted in initiating the National Network representing all the provinces. During 1995 CABW expanded to incorporate all organisations working on violence against women including rape, incest and sexual abuse and the name was changed to NEWAVe (Network Empowering Women Against Violence, Western Cape). The organisation assisted the hosting of a National Conference on violence against women in November 1995.

At the beginning of 1997 the Network changed its name from NEWAVe to what it is called today, i.e. The Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women. To facilitate the Network's activities, focus groups were formed to deal with priority areas such as

Shelters,
Info-sharing/media,
Policy legislation and
Outreach.

Members with specific interests and expertise were encouraged to join one or more of the focus groups and each group is responsible to plan activities in their area of interest, e.g. the Policy and Legislation group made recommendations to the Law Commission on the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, the Network's regional newsletter (Network News) is produced by the Info-sharing/media group.

Huge events such as the White Ribbon campaign (week - 17th March 1997), National Women's Day (9th August) and international day on the prevention of Violence Against women (25th November) are co-ordinated by the Network together with important stakeholders such as the ANC Womens' Caucus, important NGOs and PAWC, Social Services.

Our Vision

For women to be free from all forms of violence and oppression in the public and private spheres.

Our Mission

To become a strong united front to represent all those who want to end violence against women
To challenge and change the beliefs, policies and practices that oppress women
To link and co-ordinate the efforts of organizations working on violence against women
To lobby for women's rights, equality and empowerment
To support, share and develop information and resources throughout the province
To support research on violence against women
To raise awareness of the full complexity of violence experienced by women
To support each other.

How is the Network funded?

The Network receives funds from donors, e.g. PAWC, Social Services, Womankind UK (1997/8), the sale of resources and membership fees. The Executive committee manages the money via the finance committee.

What benefits do members have?

To be kept informed on what is happening locally and internationally on issues of violence against women eg. news, events, policies, conferences...
To be a member of an active united Network.
To participate in the general meetings and one or more of the focus groups.
Members are given priority to participate in and attend events such as training courses and conferences.
Members can be nominated to sit on the Executive Committee of the Network.

How often does the Network meet?

General meetings are held monthly, usually the last Tuesday of the month. The focus groups meet according the demand of their activities.

Membership

You can become a member as an individual or as an organisation. Membership fee for the year is R30.00 (fees can be wavered in certain circumstances). Contact us at our office address below.

Membership Form

Name (Individual/Group/Organisation):

Address:

Phone: Fax:

Date:

Amount Paid:

Please post to:
The Co-ordinator Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women
C/O CAFDA Prince George Drive
P O Box 211 Retreat 7945
Tel: (021) 706 2050
Fax: (021) 706 3013
Email: nabraham@eagle.mrc.ac.za

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