Impact
Evaluating the VPF
In 2020, the ISS evaluated the VPF to document its methods, principles, practices, and impacts in addressing violence against women and children. The evaluation aimed to explain how the forum operates and achieves results, potentially guiding the development of a model for multi-sectoral dialogue on complex social issues like violence prevention. The findings, highlight that the VPF is effective through six key mechanisms: Awareness, Agreement, Access, Trust, Ability, Healing, and Confidence.
In 2023 researchers from the Institute for Security Studies built on the 2020 evaluation by undertaking case study research to assess how NGOs, researchers, government officials and their institutions benefitted or were challenged by the Violence Prevention Forum.
Community dialogue for safety and prosperity
The communities of Hoekwil and Touwsranten on South Africa’s Garden Route have been engaged in an ongoing dialogue process to improve safety and increase the prosperity of all residents since August 2021. The dialogue brings residents together across class, race and nationality. This assessment reveals the achievements and challenges of the process. The dialogue has provided a space where community members can communicate directly with police officials and learn more about how the police work. Improved relations with the local police have had positive results, particularly in the immigrant community. The assessment found that participants want the dialogue to deal with one issue at a time, as taking on too much proved to be ineffective.
Western Cape a beacon of hope for SA violence prevention
Despite budget constraints, the province is supporting parents as part of an internationally recognised approach to violence prevention.
This year’s State of the Province Address by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde heralded an important step forward for support to parents and families, and to prevent violence in the province.