REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA  Challenge the perpetrators of violence to change their behaviour.  Involve men in helping to eradicate violence.  Provide survivors with information on services and organisations that can help lessen the impact of violence on their lives. 424. In addition to these new developments, South Africa bolstered its efforts to combat domestic violence, including through the prosecution of domestic violence perpetrators. 425. In 2008, the Government, in conjunction with and to support the judiciary, launched a set of guidelines for handling domestic violence cases. The guidelines have been circulated widely. In 2009, a review of the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998225 was finalised. The Government in conjunction with the NPA has also been running the Ndabezitha Project226 which seeks to train traditional leaders, prosecutors and court clerks on domestic violence matters in rural areas. Government has also been running awareness campaigns (through the media, booklets, pamphlets) aimed at sensitising communities about domestic violence services. 426. Most recently, electronic forms and systems have been developed and approved to be piloted at two Magistrates’ Courts after which they will be rolled out to all Magistrates’ Courts’ service points in order to further improve the handling of domestic violence cases. Government is also in the process of developing a booklet called “No More Violence” which is aimed at teaching the role-players at service points, as well as victims, to how to manage and improve in alleviating domestic violence matters. 427. As part of commemorating the 16 Days for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development launched a Domestic Violence Safety Plan booklet in November 2013. This formed part of the Department’s endeavours to empower victims of violence. The Safety Plan is a ground-breaking preventative initiative which seeks to assist victims to enhance their safety and that of their families against domestic violence. It is also aimed at encouraging victims to plan for their safety whilst leaving an abusive relationship. 428. The DSD facilitated the establishment of shelters for abused women in South Africa and developed a Shelter Strategy that served as a guideline for service providers rendering services to abused women. To date, ninety seven (97) shelters have been established in South Africa. Minimum standards for service delivery in shelters were also developed to standardise services in shelters. Furthermore, there is a programme which has been conceptualised as “white and green door” safe houses. These are shelters provided by ordinary people, approved and funded by government, and serve as shelters for women and children who are victims of violence and abuse. At this stage the programme is being 225 Act No. 116 of 1998 Ndabezitha means “Your Highness”- one of the praise and respect words used when Zulu and other Nguni tribes want to acknowledge loyalty to an Nguni royal. 226 117