Healing a Nation Wounded by Violence
25 November marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a global campaign running through to 10 December under the banner of protecting the most vulnerable and healing a nation wounded by violence. The 16 Days period is not simply a time of reflection. It is a call to collective action — for every clinic, hospital, health professional, and every citizen — to focus attention on gender-based violence (GBV) and the abuse of children, to mobilise resources, foster prevention, and deliver healing.
As SAMDP, we stand not only as medical professionals, but as leaders, parents, partners, and citizens deeply concerned about the violence that is tearing at the fabric of our communities.
South Africa continues to face an epidemic of gender-based violence. One in three women in our country has experienced physical violence. Countless children witness or survive abuse that scars them for life. These are not just statistics, they are our patients, our families, our colleagues, and the very people who trust us to care for them.
As healthcare professionals, we are often the first people survivors turn to, sometimes even before they speak to family or law enforcement. Our role is profound. We are healers, listeners, protectors, and advocates.
But this year, our work takes on an even deeper urgency. On 21 November 2025, our country witnessed a historic act of civil resistance. Across cities and towns, thousands of South Africans- women and allies, took part in a national shutdown led by Women for Change. At noon, they lay down in silence for 15 minutes, honouring the approximately 15 women who lose their lives to GBV every single day. It was a moment of national mourning and national defiance.
And the country responded. On that same day, government officially declared Gender-Based Violence and Femicide a national disaster, unlocking legal mechanisms and emergency resources long demanded by activists, health professionals, and communities. This is more than symbolism. It is a call to action. A mandate. A turning point. For the health sector, this declaration affirms what we have long known: GBV is not a side issue, it is a national emergency that requires coordinated medical, social, and structural intervention.
As a response, SAMDP is launching a comprehensive national campaign focused on four goals:
- First, to raise awareness that GBV is a public health emergency requiring urgent response.
- Second, to support survivors by increasing access to medical, psychological, and forensic care.
- Third, to mobilise clinicians — equipping them with a clear Clinical Toolkit to strengthen trauma-informed care.
- Fourth, to advocate for systemic reform so that the health, justice, and social systems work together to protect survivors.
To every doctor and healthcare worker: let this be clear: your response can save lives. When a survivor walks into your rooms, clinic or hospital, you are not just treating injuries. You are restoring dignity. You are empowering justice. You are helping someone rebuild their life. This campaign offers tools, guidance, and shared purpose. But beyond resources, it calls for compassion, consistency, and courage.
Let us use our collective voice to push for improved forensic services, better training, stronger referral networks, and survivor-friendly environments. Let us work towards a healthcare system where survivors are believed, protected, and supported.
To survivors: We see you. We believe you. And we stand with you. To every SAMDP member: Let us lead with empathy. Let us practice medicine with courage. Let us help South Africa heal.
We invite every SAMDP member, every health worker, every partner and every citizen: let us stand together. Let us use these 16 Days to listen, to intervene, to act and to advocate.
Thank you.
Dr Phashe Magagane, SAMDP Chairman
