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 needs of the victim. Wherever a victim-centred approach has been put into practice internationally, it has invariably resulted in a reduction of victimisation, while simultaneously improving service standards in the system. 420. The priority target group for victim empowerment under the Policy Guidelines includes women, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault and rape, victims of human trafficking, and abused children. In essence, the Policy Guidelines provide a framework for the implementation of several acts of Parliament that address violent crime in South Africa, including the Domestic Violence Act, 1998,222 the Children’s Act, 2005223 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007.224 The Policy Guidelines provide a framework for sound inter-departmental and inter-sectoral collaboration and for the integration of effective institutional arrangements for a multipronged approach in managing victim empowerment. Such an approach facilitates the establishment of partnerships in the victim empowerment sector to effectively address the diverse and sensitive needs of victims holistically. Of particular importance is the cross-cutting nature of the programme. In addition, the National Policy Guidelines serve as a guide for sector-specific victim empowerment policies, capacity development and a greater emphasis on the implementation of victim empowerment programmes by all relevant partners. 421. Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual National Campaign informing victims of crime about their rights and generally raising awareness about victims’ rights in the broad sense, so as to empower victims and communities. Victims of crime are at the centre of our criminal justice system. It is for this reason that South Africa has a Victims’ Charter. The Victims Charter was approved by Cabinet on 1 December 2004 and it is a consolidation of rights from the Constitution and other legislation. It contains seven rights, namely the right to dignity and privacy, the right to offer information and the right to receive information, the right to protection, the right to assistance, the right to compensation and the right to restitution. Domestic violence 422. Every year South Africa takes part in the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December. While the campaign runs only for 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse. 423. Government, business, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and the media are all participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children. The campaign also aims to: 222 Act No. 116 of 1998 Act No. 38 of 2005 224 Act No. 32 of 2007 223 116