Source: SABC
The Eastern Cape department of Social Development says the rising gender-based violence statistics are an indication of the effectiveness of government's awareness programmes.

This, as a two day sexual and gender based conference gets underway today at the East London International Conference Centre. The conference will see various stakeholders coming together to discuss and seek ways of dealing with gender-based violence

A recent study conducted in the Eastern Cape reveals that crimes committed against women are on the increase. Almost 55% of rape victims are children under the age of 18 years.

This, despite government's efforts to put an end to this scourge.

Government admits that more could be done - but says that increasing statistics are proof that victims have now heeded the call to report incidents of gender-based violence.

This conference sees the department of Social Development, South African Police Services, NGO's and the Department of Justice and constitutional development putting heads together to seek out what more can be done. 

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