Social workers to be deployed to police stations for GBV victims

Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo says the government is moving ahead with plans to deploy social workers to police stations to better support victims of Gender based violence (GBV). Speaking toThe Witnessduring a visit to Ward 1 in Maqongqo on Friday, Boshielo said the initiative forms part of a broader response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen support systems for GBV survivors. The visit coincided with the launch of a local employment initiative led by the Mkhambathini Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aimed at addressing financial insecurity among GBV survivors, one of the main barriers they face when seeking help.

Boshielo said closer collaboration between the police and the Department of Social Development would ensure victims receive both legal and psychosocial support when opening cases. “Police are trained to deal with criminals. We therefore welcome the president’s call, and we are confident that placing social workers in police stations will yield positive results,” she said.

She added that the intervention follows Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, where he described GBV as a national crisis and highlighted the need for a more victim-centred approach within the criminal justice system. Boshielo said many police officers are not adequately equipped to handle the complexities of GBV cases, making the presence of trained social workers critical. Earlier on Friday, Boshielo launched a DNA laboratory in Durban, aimed at speeding up the processing of rape cases and improving conviction rates.

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She said the facility would help ensure forensic evidence is handled more efficiently, reducing delays that often frustrate investigations and prolong justice for victims. Boshielo added that the deployment of social workers and improved forensic capacity form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the fight against GBV and provide more comprehensive support to survivors.

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