Written by: Courtney K Louter
Article source: JOY! News

As South Africa marks the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), a stark reality emerges: for victims and the shelters that serve them, this is a 365-day national emergency. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cannot be treated as a campaign. The urgent global theme, ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’, reinforces that comprehensive action requires protecting people both offline and online. With shelters in crisis, the Body of Christ is called to step up with practical love and urgent prayer. Our commitment to God’s justice is not seasonal, it is rooted in His very nature. We are commanded to be a people who “do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). When women and children, made in the image of God are subjected to violence and abuse, it demands the Church’s response.

A Crisis of Compassion
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), which works with about 100 GBV shelters, has highlighted their desperate under-resourcing despite fulfilling a constitutional mandate. Many receive annual grants as low as R140,000, covering less than 40% of operational costs.

This chronic underfunding is both a national tragedy and scandal in light of recent revelations: the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) returned over half a billion Rand – R554 million – unspent to the Treasury in 2024. This withholding of funds is a profound contradiction to the Gospel command for justice and care. Scripture sets the standard clearly: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

Instead of empty words, God demands action to “loose the chains of injustice” (Isaiah 58:6-7), feed the hungry, and provide shelter and clothing to the poor. Distressed, neglected GBV victims need to be shown this love in action, for as NSMSA board member Greer Schoeman stated: “While government talks a good talk …shelters and frontline workers… cannot carry the weight of this national crisis without urgent, meaningful support.”

Anchored in God’s Justice
When human justice fails, our hope is anchored in the certainty of God’s final, perfect judgment. While we may struggle seeing the wicked prosper, we must remember that truly and ultimately God has eternally established His rule to judge the world with perfect justice and righteousness. We rest in the assurance that “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed…” (Psalm 10:17-18).

Because justice is certain through the return of Christ, we are called to trust Him rather than seek revenge, for it is He who will avenge and repay. This frees us from personal bitterness and allows us to direct our attention on persevering in good works, even amidst suffering. Ultimately, only salvation through Christ offers victims both healing and the certainty of future justice, when “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain…” (Revelation 21:4). While simultaneously calling perpetrators to repentance, forgiveness, and transformation.

How the Church can Respond
While praying for government accountability, the Church must act now as a clear witness to the world. By serving the vulnerable, we offer the clearest witness of Christ’s transforming power, because “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

1. Support a Shelter Practically: Commit to a monthly financial contribution to cover essential operational costs (staff salaries, utilities), as this financial aid is critical for survival; check with the shelter first to verify their most desperate needs for donated goods. Offer practical, skills-based support such as essential maintenance, homework assistance, or mentorship to help survivors develop life skills.

2. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the warning signs of abuse (such as isolation or financial/digital control) and establish safe spaces where people can confide in you. Study and teach the Gospel on the dignity of women and children, clarifying that violence sins against the Image of God in humanity.

3. Offer Safe, Confidential Support: If someone discloses abuse to you, believe them and guide them immediately to professional help, legal counsel, and the shelter system. Be a safe harbour, reflecting the compassion of Christ and providing them with assurance that true and ultimate peace flows from Him, for “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).

4. Speak Up and Challenge Culture: Challenge cultural norms, even within the Church, that minimise or excuse violence. Preach and live out the Gospel to champion the dignity and equality of women and children, empowering them to live as more than conquerors through Christ.

Prayer Points
Let us lift up the following specific prayers to the Lord, trusting in His power to heal and restore:

  • For Survivors:
    Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, and that they find their identity restored in Christ. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
  • For Children Affected by GBV:
    Pray for supernatural protection, sound minds, and the breaking of cycles of trauma, asking God to restore their hope and provide loving guidance. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
  • For Shelters and Frontline Workers:
    Pray for strength, wisdom, and provision to battle burnout and chronic underfunding. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
  • For Government and Justice:
    Pray for Godly conviction on officials responsible for underspending; and for courageous integrity for the police, prosecutors, and judiciary to administer swift, uncompromising justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24)
  • For Perpetrators to Repent:
    Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to lead those who commit violence to genuine repentance and transformation. “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).
  • For the Church:
    Pray that the Body of Christ rises up with authority to be a leading voice and active partner against violence, demonstrating radical love and offering God’s life-changing salvation as the ultimate power to end the crisis. “…seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).

Resources for Immediate Action
If you are a survivor seeking help, or if you want to donate immediately, here is the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) information:

National 24-hour Crisis Helpline
Helpline Number: 0800 001 005 (Toll-Free)
WhatsApp / SMS: 082 057 8600

Direct Financial Donation Details
Account Name: National Shelter Movement Of South Africa
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch Code: 015137 (Lenasia Branch)
Account No: 06 264 8039

Through Christ, we find the power to see every broken story made whole, for “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17), establishing Him as the ultimate source of justice, healing, and transformation.

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Date published: 10/12/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com

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