Western Cape Health has reached a significant milestone in strengthening its response to domestic and family violence, with the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Intervention Programme having now screened 40 000 patients to enable early identification, support and referral for people experiencing violence.
The programme, designed to intervene before abuse escalates, is focused on reaching individuals who may never otherwise disclose violence or access help. By integrating routine screening into healthcare settings, the initiative positions the health system as a critical first point of contact for survivors of intimate partner and family violence.
After a successful pilot phase at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, the programme has demonstrated that IPV screening and support can be effectively implemented at community-level facilities, not only at hospitals. The intervention has already been rolled out at Groote Schuur Hospital and Mitchells Plain District Hospital, and will now be fully implemented at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre.
The programme is designed and funded by the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust, with the aim of strengthening how the healthcare system recognises and responds to intimate partner violence. Healthcare workers are trained to identify signs of abuse, screen patients sensitively and activate clear referral pathways to ensure timely support.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger said the milestone reflects a growing commitment to survivor-centred care.
“Every person experiencing violence who enters one of our facilities deserves safety, dignity and support. This intervention strengthens our ability to identify people earlier, respond compassionately, and connect them to the care they need. Together, we are building a Western Cape where no survivor is left unseen or unsupported,” she said.
Patients identified through the programme are offered on-site counselling, and where necessary are referred to external gender-based violence support services. These include assistance with protection orders, referrals to the Department of Social Development, and access to specialised psychosocial care.
Beyond screening, the programme focuses on system-wide change. Healthcare workers receive ongoing training on engaging sensitively with survivors, while information and awareness campaigns ensure patients understand their rights and available support. Facilities also map community-based services in their catchment areas to strengthen collaboration and extend care beyond the health system.
The Department of Health and Wellness says the progress achieved so far reflects the dedication of frontline clinical teams and partner organisations, and forms a strong foundation for expanding the model to additional facilities in future.
By embedding IPV screening into everyday healthcare, the programme is helping shift the response to violence from crisis-driven intervention to early, coordinated and compassionate care — reinforcing the role of the health system as a key protector of dignity, safety and wellbeing for people experiencing violence.
