This has serious implications for our nation. Gender-based violence has a severe and long-lasting impact on victims, including serious mental health problems and the risk of subsequent victimisation, gynaecological complications, unwanted pregnancies, HIV infection, serious physical injuries or disability and, ultimately, death. The consequences of gender- based violence are not limited to the person who experiences it, but also affect those who witness it, in particular children. Gender-based violence undermines the dignity, autonomy and security of the victims and the overall social and economic development of the entire society, thereby reinforcing gender inequalities. The number and severity of cases require that we take extra measures to reverse the tide of violence against women and children in our country. Acknowledging the magnitude and complexity of the factors driving this scourge, we are establishing an Advisory Council on Violence against Women and Children.