[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but the women and children of this amazing country are under attack. Gender based violence (GBV) and Femicide is taking the lives of South Africa’s women on a daily basis. 2016 data from the World Health Organisation reports that the femicide rate in South Africa was 12.1 per 100,000, almost 5 times higher than the global average of 2.6 per 100,000. According to Stats SA 138 per 100,000 women were raped last year, the highest rate in the world.

The COVID-19 crisis have greatly affected the impact on women in abusive relationships. Numerous articles in the South African media have raised alarm for the increased risk women in these relationships face under lockdown conditions. The fear is that they are trapped inside with their abusers, unable to leave, escape or reach out for help. Other countries around the world have reported a spike in cases of domestic violence under lockdown.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6411″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Image source: rapecrisis.org.za

Local NGOs such as Rape Crisis have had to quickly adapt by making available online and additional telephonic reporting and counselling services. The Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust works closely with the National Prosecuting Authority, police and Department of Social Development at three Thuthuzela centres in the Cape Town metro.

During these extraordinary times, with international aid being drastically cut and local government expenditure being stretched to capacity – organisations like Rape Crisis Cape Town need our assistance more than ever. I have therefore decided to pay it forward during the month of August (South Africa’s women’s month) by making it easy for customers who purchase my prints to add a donation to Rape Crisis at checkout.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6410″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]You can also stand a chance to win one of my “Strawberry lips” limited edition prints when you purchase raffle tickets for ‘The Grand Exhibition Burlesque Benefit’.

This fabulous show epitomizes body positivity and empowerment and due to Covid-19 is this year coming to the comfort of your living room!

ALL profits raised during the benefit will be donated to Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust. A whopping ZAR130 000 has already been donated for Rape Crisis since its inception in 2015.

Tickets are only R115 (per person watching) each and are available to purchase online at

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/106540-the-grand-exhibition-burlesque-benefit-cape-town-and-beyond/

Date: Saturday 8th August 2020
Venue: Zoom Webinar – Live Online show
Time: 7:30pm SAST

Please show your support for this incredible event or consider making a donation to Rape Crisis Cape Town when purchasing one of my prints.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]