{"id":22434,"date":"2025-08-13T08:59:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T06:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=22434"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:03:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:03:07","slug":"nwu-vanderbijlpark-campus-gbv-support-centre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/nwu-vanderbijlpark-campus-gbv-support-centre\/","title":{"rendered":"New GBV and Femicide Support Centre Launched at Vanderbijlpark Campus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In a significant step towards combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the North-West University (NWU) at its Vanderbijlpark Campus has officially launched a dedicated GBVF Empowerment Centre. This new facility is designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support to survivors. It also aims to advance the fight against GBVF within the university community and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/womens-day-gbv-cases-surge-south-africa\/\">Women\u2019s Day Marred by GBV as Reported Cases Surge in South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#a-safe-space-for-survivors\" data-level=\"2\">A Safe Space for Survivors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#institutional-and-community-collaboration\" data-level=\"2\">Institutional and Community Collaboration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#leadership-and-vision\" data-level=\"2\">Leadership and Vision<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#developed-from-lived-experiences\" data-level=\"2\">Developed from Lived Experiences<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#strategic-partnerships-and-international-collabora\" data-level=\"2\">Strategic Partnerships and International Collaboration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#community-impact-and-institutional-commitment\" data-level=\"2\">Community Impact and Institutional Commitment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#more-than-a-building\" data-level=\"2\">More than a Building<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ribbon-cutting-ceremony-and-community-engagement\" data-level=\"2\">Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Community Engagement<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#services-offered-at-the-gbvf-empowerment-centre\" data-level=\"2\">Services Offered at the GBVF Empowerment Centre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#programmes-and-partnerships\" data-level=\"2\">Programmes and Partnerships<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#vision-and-impact\" data-level=\"2\">Vision and Impact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-access-services-at-the-gbvf-empowerment-cen\" data-level=\"2\">How to Access Services at the GBVF Empowerment Centre<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-safe-space-for-survivors\">A Safe Space for Survivors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The GBVF Empowerment Centre serves as a safe, survivor-centred space. It offers critical services, including psychosocial support and legal assistance for navigating cases. Moreover, there are survivor-focused reporting mechanisms and ongoing advocacy efforts. The centre embodies NWU&#8217;s commitment to actively addressing GBVF. It aims to set a precedent for institutional responses to this societal issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2113359081\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"institutional-and-community-collaboration\">Institutional and Community Collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The launch event brought together representatives from diverse sectors, including the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the South African Police Service, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and student leaders. This broad coalition underscores the collective responsibility. It highlights the collaborative approach required to tackle GBVF effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leadership-and-vision\">Leadership and Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, NWU\u2019s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Community Engagement at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, described the centre as &#8220;more than a response to crisis.&#8221; He emphasized it as a forward-looking and transformative initiative. It positions NWU as a leader in social justice, survivor support, and policy advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThe GBVF <a href=\"https:\/\/news.nwu.ac.za\/vanderbijlpark-campus-launches-gender-based-violence-and-femicide-safe-space\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Empowerment Centre<\/a> at the NWU is more than a response to crisis \u2013 it is a trend-setting initiative,\u201d said Prof Mphahlele.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3492006174\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"developed-from-lived-experiences\">Developed from Lived Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The project was spearheaded by Ujeet Maharaj, Head of Student Judicial Services at NWU. He highlighted that the centre was developed through extensive consultation. It incorporates lived experiences from various GBVF events on and off campus. \u201cThis is not just a service point. It is a place of safety, healing, advocacy, and education,\u201d Maharaj stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strategic-partnerships-and-international-collabora\">Strategic Partnerships and International Collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The centre benefits from a strong network of strategic partners, including Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, Higher Health, and the ikhaya le Themba Empowerment Centre. It also collaborates internationally with institutions such as University College Dublin and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. These partnerships have contributed to the University Networks of Impact (UNI) initiative. This will officially launch later in 2025, fostering global cooperation to combat GBVF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today, the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GP_CommSafety?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@GP_CommSafety<\/a> , in collaboration with the North-West University (Vanderbijlpark Campus), are officially launching the GBVF Victim Empowerment Centre for Excellence , a step in the province\u2019s ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/S58gdlgQiG\">pic.twitter.com\/S58gdlgQiG<\/a><\/p>&mdash; GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GP_CommSafety\/status\/1950867407293095985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">July 31, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GP_CommSafety\/status\/1950867407293095985\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-69280852\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"community-impact-and-institutional-commitment\">Community Impact and Institutional Commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mmemme Makane-Sibanda, Chief Director and Provincial Secretariat of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, praised NWU for its leadership and institutional courage in launching the centre. The facility reflects NWU\u2019s broader strategic imperatives, including internationalisation and strong community engagement through research, innovation, and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"more-than-a-building\">More than a Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The GBVF Empowerment Centre serves as a living model that demonstrates how universities can proactively respond to GBVF. It combines immediate support with a long-term vision of institutional reform to ensure dignity, safety, and justice for survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3057539073\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ribbon-cutting-ceremony-and-community-engagement\">Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Community Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The launch concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the centre, media engagements, and community interaction. The NWU mascot, Eagi, made a special appearance. This reminded all that behind policies are real people deserving to feel safe and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Enough is enough! In partnership with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, we launched the GBVF Victim Empowerment Centre at NWU Vanderbijlpark, a safe space, a hub for healing, and a bold step toward lasting change.<br><br> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NWUCares?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#NWUCares<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MyNWU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#MyNWU<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CommunityImpactandSustainability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#CommunityImpactandSustainability<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/XVgwogmCJi\">pic.twitter.com\/XVgwogmCJi<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NWU &#8211; North-West University (@theNWU) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/theNWU\/status\/1951569097713406051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 2, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/theNWU\/status\/1951569097713406051\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"services-offered-at-the-gbvf-empowerment-centre\">Services Offered at the GBVF Empowerment Centre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The centre serves as a one-stop response hub. It provides a comprehensive range of critical services tailored to support survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Psychosocial Support:<\/strong>\u00a0Trauma-informed counselling and emotional support to help survivors heal and cope.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Assistance:<\/strong>\u00a0Guidance and support for navigating legal processes related to GBVF cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Survivor-Centred Reporting:<\/strong>\u00a0Safe and confidential reporting mechanisms focused on survivors&#8217; needs and dignity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ongoing Advocacy:<\/strong>\u00a0Efforts to promote policy change, awareness, and institutional reform around GBVF issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Educational Outreach:<\/strong>\u00a0Raising awareness and educating the community on GBVF prevention, rights, and resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3293509628\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"programmes-and-partnerships\">Programmes and Partnerships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The centre collaborates with various local and international organisations to enhance its impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Partnerships with Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, Higher Health, and the ikhaya le Themba Empowerment Centre:<\/strong> These partnerships bring resources, expertise, and community networks. They strengthen survivor support and advocacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International Collaboration:<\/strong> Connections with University College Dublin and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre enable adoption of global best practices. They also allow participation in the upcoming University Networks of Impact (UNI) initiative. This promotes research and innovation to combat GBVF.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community and Institutional Engagement:<\/strong> The centre fosters a culture of safety and respect on campus and in the broader community. This is achieved through workshops, awareness programmes, and collaborative research projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755067932-1024x684.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-22441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755067932-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755067932-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755067932-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755067932.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DMxneiANo4d\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vision-and-impact\">Vision and Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/news.nwu.ac.za\/vanderbijlpark-campus-launches-gender-based-violence-and-femicide-safe-space\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The centre<\/a> is more than just a service point, it serves as a living model demonstrating how universities can proactively and responsibly respond to GBVF. It embodies NWU\u2019s commitment to survivor dignity, justice, and institutional transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1532865236\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-access-services-at-the-gbvf-empowerment-cen\">How to Access Services at the GBVF Empowerment Centre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The centre offers a range of critical services including psychosocial support, legal assistance, survivor-centred reporting, and advocacy. <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nwu.ac.za\/counselling-and-development\/seek-helpsupport-here\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">To access<\/a> these services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong>\u00a0NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, Hendrik Van Eck Blvd, Building 13, Splitlevel 3, Office 331<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phone:<\/strong>\u00a0016 910 3195<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitors can make appointments for counselling and support directly at the centre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support and appointments can also be coordinated via the NWU eFundi platform for student services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For additional emotional support, the NWU Counselling and Development Division provides access through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Contact for Vanderbijlpark Campus:<\/strong>\u00a0016 910 3195<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students and staff are encouraged to seek help early and use the confidential services available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The North-West University\u2019s Vanderbijlpark Campus has launched a new GBVF Empowerment Centre providing comprehensive support and advocacy for survivors. Discover how this initiative pioneers institutional response to gender-based violence and femicide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The North-West University\u2019s Vanderbijlpark Campus has launched a new GBVF Empowerment Centre providing comprehensive support and advocacy for survivors. Discover how this initiative pioneers institutional response to gender-based violence and femicide.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[522,2583,2585,2586,671,9350,9858,7747],"class_list":{"0":"post-22434","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-community-safety","9":"tag-femicide","10":"tag-gbv","11":"tag-gender-based-violence","12":"tag-mental-health","13":"tag-north-west-university-nwu","14":"tag-university","15":"tag-victim-support"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22434"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22434\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22442,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22434\/revisions\/22442"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}