1 in 10 people in WC Emergency Centres are interpersonal violence cases, reveals Provincial Health Department

The Western Cape has a high number of interpersonal violence related cases at its 37 emergency centres.

This was revealed by the Department of Health and Wellness in a provincial legislature standing committee. Approximately a quarter of the emergency centre headcounts are a result of trauma cases, of which around 9.4% is due to interpersonal violence.

The data is sourced from the department’s recently launched, Safety Dashboard. The dashboard tracks incidents that are recorded in the province.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, says more needs to be done to quell violence.

‘’With 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children beginning next week Friday, this figure highlights the rampant brutality which continues to exist in our communities and the need for us to do more to quell it.’’

‘’Crime has a significant impact on our health care facilities as they are the first respondents to all societal ills experienced in our community. Let us work even closer together during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism so that we spend 365 days every year ensuring the safety of our residents,’’ she added.

 

PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Done By: Mitchum George