1. The Northern Cape Province has eight (8) Victim Support Centres, six (6) are operational and two are in a process of being finalized. The total bed capacity of the shelters is 40. The bed capacity is sufficient because the Province has never experienced a situation where there is no space to accommodate and provide services to victims in the shelters. Victims whose home environment is safe and conducive, are provided with services by Social Workers outside of the shelter, in their homes. Over and above the four districts in the Province has a Victim Support Centre while one district does not have a Centre, which is Namaqua District. In partnership with Namakhoi Municipality, the Department is in a process of establishing a centre in the outstanding district in the current financial year 2022/23.
2. The Province does have enough capacity to render psychosocial services and has appointed sixteen (16) GBV Social Workers who are responsible for GBV related cases only. There are two (2) Victim Empowerment Social Workers in Z.F. Mgcawu and Frances Baard District who are also responsible for GBV. In partnership with National Department, HWSETA, four (4) GBV Social Work Interns are appointed on contract to strengthen GBV services in the Province. Probation Officers are also responsible to provide GBV services.
a) According to SAPS Crime Stats 2021/22, Francis Baard District (Galeshewe, Roodepan, Pampierstad, Hartswater) are the Hotspots of GBV in the Province. Furthermore, the Departmental Social Work Performance Reports from the districts confirms the crime stats, Francis Baard has the most number of victims provided with psycho-social support services.
b) The areas are identified as hotspots due to the number of cases of GBV reported at SAPS ranging from rape, murder, assault etc.