GBV

SUPPLEMENT 2021

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AWARENESS

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

Friday 27 August 2021

Navigating minefield of domestic violence SA has one of the highest incidences of domestic violence in the world. Domestic violence remains the most common and widespread human rights abuse in SA. The statistics are horrific.

We just need to open the newspaper and watch television to know that women are physically assaulted, raped or murdered, humiliated, harassed, intimidated and stalked by their spouses or intimate partners on a daily basis in their own homes.

It is so important that we move forward in a positive manner and away from a victim mentality.

Yes, there are so many victims, but there are also so many survivors who have turned their lives around.

In our current crazy times, it is easy to be bogged down on the negative. There is nothing OK about being a victim of domestic violence.

Domestic violence in any form should not be tolerated. Our message is — You are not alone. Together we can get through this stronger.

Actions have consequences. Far too many women are too afraid to speak out.

The Domestic Violence Act recognises that domestic violence is a serious social evil in our society.

The victims of domestic violence are among the most vulnerable members of society.

Domestic violence takes on many forms and the acts of domestic violence may be committed in a wide range of domestic relationships.

The purpose of the Act is to afford the victims of domestic violence the maximum protection from abuse and to introduce measures which seek to ensure that the relevant organs of state give full effect to the provisions of the Act.

4. Intimidation; 5. Harassment; 6. Stalking 7. Damage to property; 8. Entry into the complainant’s residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence; and 9. Any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant, Where such conduct harms, or may cause imminent harm to, the safety, health or wellbeing of the complainant.

abuse others.

Abusive behaviour is chosen because the abuser has learnt that it will ensure that he gets his own way.

Once an abused woman, always an abused woman An abused woman loses her confidence and self-esteem.

However, many women who have been abused and worked through these feelings are able to form healthy relationships with men who don’t abuse them.

POPULAR MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING ABUSE

WHY WOMEN STAY IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Both partners are to blame. They contribute equally to the violence It is true that some hit back in anger or in self-defence. It’s also true that a small minority of men are abused by their female partners.

The real problem is an unequal sharing of power. Generally, power is in the hands of men and when this power is combined with sexual stereotyping, the victims are women.

Women choose abusive relationships because they are masochistic or crazy Women originally choose partners who claim to love them. They excuse a good deal in the hope that their partners will change.

Far too many women are beaten for us to believe that a particular personality type causes abuse.

Any woman can be abused, whether she comes from a dysfunctional family, suffers from low self-esteem or is a perfectly competent member of society.

“Crazy” behaviour is often a result of abuse, rather than a cause of it.

Abuse happens in poor families where there is a lack of education There is no proof of this. Research has shown that abusers come from all walks of life and from all backgrounds.

WHAT IS ABUSE? Alcohol and drugs cause abusive beAbuse is a pattern of controlling behaviour. haviour These can make abuse worse but they do WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? not cause abuse. This does also not explain The following can be regarded as domestic why the same man may abuse a woman violence: when he is sober, or why men who do not 1. Physical abuse; drink or take drugs abuse.

2. Emotional, verbal and psychological His childhood made him this way abuse; Childhood trauma does create misery but 3. Economic abuse; many abused children do not grow up to

● Encourage her/him to secure a domestic violence order; ● To apply for a protection order you need to be in a domestic relationship.

WHAT IS A DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIP?

● She may have come to believe that she cannot make it on her own.

A domestic relationship is defined as a relationship between the complainant and a respondent in any of the following ways: (a) They were married to each other, including a marriage according to any law, custom or religion; (b) They (whether they are of the same or opposite sex) live or loved together in a relationship in the nature of a marriage, though they are not, or were not, married to each other, or are not able to be married to each other; (c) They are the parents of a child or are people who have had or had parental responsibility for that child; (d) They were or are engaged, dating or in a customary relationship, including an actual or perceived romantic, intimate or sexual relationship of any duration; (e) They are family members related by adoption, consanguinity or affinity; (f) They share or recently shared the same residence.

You do not need to have an attorney to apply for a domestic violence order, you can do it yourself at the domestic violence court.

HOPE

Steps to obtain a protection order

DUTY ● Marriage vows are sacred; ● A good wife stands by her man; and ● It’s her responsibility to make the rela-

tionship work.

FEAR ● The abuser threatens to kill her; ● She’s afraid that he will track her down

wherever she goes; and ● He threatens suicide or to fall apart if she leaves.

LACK OF CONFIDENCE

Any person may apply for a protection or● She may still love her partner; and ● There is still the possibility that her part- der at a magistrate’s court nearest to where ner will change.

PRACTICIAL PROBLEMS ● Economic dependence on her partner; ● Accommodation is scarce and expen-

sive; and ● Concern for her children.

If a woman chooses to confide in you, listen to what she has to say and believe her. Tell her that you care about her and her safety.

Take her fears seriously.

How can you help a victim of domestic violence? ● Listen; ● Encourage her/him to report it to SAPS; ● Encourage her/him to receive medical

assistance if required; and

you live and work at any time, during and outside court hours as well as on public holidays or weekends.

You need to apply for the Interim Protection Order by completing Form 6: Interim Protection Order at your nearest magistrate’s court.

The application must be made by way of an affidavit which states the: ● Facts on which the application is based; ● Nature of the order; and ● Name of the police station where the complainant is likely to report any breach of the protection order.

To download the application forms, please visit www.anthonyinc.co.za or visit your local domestic violence court at your local magistrate’s court.

Who can you turn to for assistance?

Yokhuselo Haven: A shelter for abused women and their children, situated in Gqeberha, the shelter offers short accommodation, counselling, assistance to acquire protection orders.

Yokhuselo is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.

Yokhuselo Haven has been informing, educating, mobilising and providing a safe environment to all

women and children affected by domestic violence in Gqeberha and surrounding areas for 30 years.

SAFE TEMPORARY HOME We provide a safe temporary home to women and their children who are affected by domestic violence. The duration depends on an individual assessment of each person.

NECESSITIES We provide the basic needs of women and their children who are affected by domestic violence such as food, clothing, access to health facilities and procurement of protection orders.

COUNSELLING We provide counselling to abused women and children to help cope with the short- and long-term emotional trauma of domestic

violence.

SKILLS TRAINING We empower women by teaching them work-related skills so that they can become financially independent and create a stable future for themselves and their children.

Anyone can contact Yokhuselo Haven on 076 312 7730 or visit our Facebook page or our website on www.yokhuselo.co.za

SAFE PLACE: Yokhuselo Haven provides a shelter for abused women and their children in Gqeberha

Friday 27 August 2021

SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

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SPAR vows to continue fight against GBV The SPAR Group continues to place its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) as one of its priorities, reaffirming its philosophy of community involvement.

SPAR Eastern Cape promotions and events manager Alan Stapleton said they took pride in serving and helping the communities in which they operated.

“We also strongly believe in supporting those who are being abused or affected by violence.

“We want to continue our strong stand in the fight to end gender-based violence in our communities.”

People affected by GBV needed a voice but often did not have the avenues to reach out for help, he said.

“We are a trusted brand in our communities and a trusted friend to those in need.

“We want to break the silence and strive to end GBV.” In 2020, the Eastern Cape distribution centre in Nelson Mandela Bay made R50,000 in donations to the Rape Crisis Centre in Gqeberha and Masimanyane in East London.

In 2021, in support of Women’s Month, R120,000 was allocated to the Bet Sheekoom Centre.

The organisation — established because of the need for a long-term shelter for women to feel safe and receive counselling — has been working with those in crisis for 20 years.

SPAR EC has continued to back charity organisations involved in the fight against GBV by generating funds through a range of events.

The annual Penguin Classic Charity Golf Day presented an opportunity for SPAR EC to spend time with its retailers and suppliers in aid of charity.

THERE FOR WOMEN: SPAR Eastern Cape continues to support charity organisations through the Virtual Women’s Challenge, with the beneficiaries being Masimanyane and On Eagles’ Wings. At the recent launch were, from left, Jeanie Steyn (race ambassador), Mercy Cwayi (On Eagles’ Wings), SPAR EC promotions and events manager Alan Stapleton, Lesley Ann Foster (Masimanyane) and Yolanda Bukani (race ambassador) Picture:LEON HUGO

The event fell in line with its mission statement of supporting national campaigns — with Jeffreys Bay-based On Eagles’ Wings one of the four beneficiaries.

Stapleton paid tribute to the organisation, which received a donation of R34 000 for its contribution to society.

“On Eagles’ Wings is about the community as they educate the public about GBV.” Nationally, he said, SPAR also subsidised its

house-brand sanitary pads down to R5 a pack to make this essential item more affordable to those in need.

On September 4, thousands of runners countrywide will set off on their own routes and distances for the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge.

The beneficiaries will all be organisations who stand up against GBE, and the Eastern Cape associations are Masimanyane and On

Eagles’ Wings.

Masimanyane has developed into a worldwide movement fighting for women’s rights.

“We are essentially an equality and social justice organisation which is locally rooted but globally connected,” executive director Lesley Ann Foster said.

On Eagles’ Wings, under the leadership of Mercy Cwayi, has been operating in the Kouga municipality for 14 years.

“We have a multipurpose facility in Jeffreys Bay to assist those in need, providing services for women and children in counselling, socioeconomic skills and shelter.”

At the Virtual Women’s Challenge launch in April, SPAR EC MD Angelo Swartz identified the retailer’s commitment to support women and families.

“Our core values revolve around business, family, passion and entrepreneurship, and in that women and family play a massive role,” he said.

“The Women’s Challenge is the epitome of what we see in supporting women in our community as we strive to bring families together.”

Swartz said as a brand it was important not to just pay lip service.

The company had invested heavily in supporting causes about issues affecting women and children.

In 2020, SPAR signed a memorandum of understanding with Lifeline SA, which runs the toll-free END-GBV Helpline.

The number is printed on SPAR shopping bags for easy access and can also be used to communicate with counsellors via WhatsApp. Visit www.SPAR.co.za/gbv for more information or call the helpline on 0800-150-150.

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

Friday 27 August 2021

Abuse of women and children takes many different forms

HELP AT HAND: Many children under the age of 18 are subjected to various forms of abuse, and there are programmes that cater specifically to their needs

Violence against women is a global pandemic. Without exception, a woman’s greatest risk of violence is from someone she knows.

Domestic violence is a violation of a woman’s right to physical integrity, to liberty and her right to life itself.

While SA has one of the most progressive and inclusive constitutions in the world, the incidence of violence against women continues to escalate to alarming proportions.

Protection against such abuse is limited at best and perpetrators continue to enjoy widespread immunity.

Intimate partner violence is a serious social problem that has been gaining public concern both in South African society and around the globe over the years.

Domestic violence not only influences one’s physical and mental health, but it also has profound effects on social functioning, welfare and legal status.

Types of abuse:

Physical abuse — Physical abuse is any act or threatened act of physical violence, for example, smacking, punching, kicking, pushing, scratching, biting, being tied up and/or assaulted with objects such as weapons, according to the Domestic Violence Act of 1998. ● Sexual abuse — Any conduct that abuses, humiliates, degrades or otherwise violates the sexual integrity of a person. This includes rape, pressuring or forcing a person to perform sexual acts that they may be uncomfortable with, harassment, threats and deroga●

tive comments. This form of abuse also includes a person being coerced to observe pornographic material. ● Verbal abuse — This includes swearing, the use of threats of violence to intimidate a person, insults and shouting. ● Emotional abuse — The use of words that make one feel stupid or worthless, being ridiculed or laughed at, including being humiliated in private or public, sleep deprivation, being ignored and controlled, being accused of sexual affairs outside the home, and threats of suicide by the perpetrator. This form of abuse also includes jealousy and possessive tendencies from your partner. ● Economic abuse — When a person is deprived of economic or

financial resources such as being prevented from obtaining/keeping a job, being controlled financially by the perpetrator, coerced into handing over a salary, or forced to ask for money and/or sign for loans or debts. ● Isolation — When a person is locked up in their dwelling by the perpetrator, prevented from seeing family and friends, including monitoring of phone calls and being restricted to certain places.

If you experience any form of the above, The Saartjie Baartman Centre is a phone call away.

CHILD PROTECTION PROGRAMME Though we often hear about women in our community being subjected to abuse, the sad reality is that many children are victims

of abuse too, and this abuse results in wide-ranging adverse effects on them.

In attempting to address the needs of child survivors of abuse, in 2018 The Saartjie Baartman Centre established a child protection unit.

The unit treats children under the age of 18 and their families through counselling and conducts workshops in schools dealing with such issues as recognising abuse, healthy conflict resolution, anger, stress management and supporting a survivor through abuse.

Contact us: Call 021-633-5287 or WhatsApp 076-470-9314. Email: admin@womenscentre.co.za. Facebook Page: Saartjie Baartman Centre. Instagram: Saartjie Baartman Centre.

Friday 27 August 2021

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

Nelson Mandela University’s ongoing efforts in fight against gender-based violence, femicide The scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) continues to plague our society, with mostly women, children, and individuals from the LGBTIQA+ communities, worst affected.

With GBVF being a societal challenge, and with Nelson Mandela University’s resolve to be in the service of society through meaningful engagement with the communities in which it is situated, a forum has been established with various GBVF-focused organisations in response to this societal challenge.

The HIV-Aids and the Transformation units within Mandela University’s Engagement and Transformation Portfolio, have joined a number of local GBVF-focused organisations in a forum, sharing experiences and knowledge, and collaborating to produce materials and programmes to raise awareness and bring about change in this area.

The Forum is led by representatives of each of these units, as well as Karen Kemp of Yethu Safe House in West End, and Sibonelo Ncanana-Trower, of OUT in Central, Gqeberha. Other organisations within the Forum include Doxa Family Care, Phila Ndoda Movement, Yokhuselo Safe Haven, Phaphamani Rape Crisis Centre, and I Protect Me. During August, known nationally as Women’s Month, the University is supporting member organisations’ programmes in Gqeberha and George, with a series of events aimed at raising awareness and bolstering efforts to curb the scourge of GBVF. The objective of these collective events is to raise awareness on what constitutes GBV; empower those affected or prone to attacks with physical protection techniques; celebrate women and the diversity of genders and sharing stories of those who survived such violations. In addition, member organisations are aiming to collect demographical data from the participating sites with the ultimate objective to influence national policy.

“This period has undoubtedly been among the toughest that staff and students, internally, and communities, externally, have gone through as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown conditions,” says Dr Ruby-Ann Levendal, the University’s Director: Transformation.

“The lockdown also presented particular challenges in the fight against GBV nationally as evidenced by the rise in the number of reported cases countrywide.”

The University and community partners will be going out into communities across Gqeberha and Kariega, engaging schools (teachers and pupils), churches and nongovernmental organisations.

For the rest of the month,

Mandela University, as an engaged institution with renewed commitment to actively fighting the scourge of GBV on its campuses, continues the work towards ensuring a safer environment for all within the gender spectrum

awareness raising activities will be carried out at places, including Machiu Primary in Cleary Park, Bethvale Primary in Bloemendal and Alfonzo Arries Primary in Booysen Park.

The elderly, who are also prone to incidents of GBV violations, will be addressed at churches in Jacksonville and Kariega, with a segment for young women (aged 1624) in Kleinskool.

Higher education institutions, as microcosms of society, are also not immune to the scourge.

The province is still reeling from the gruesome murder of a University of Fort Hare final year law student, Nosicelo Mtebeni, allegedly by her boyfriend.

Mandela University, which previously had challenges with the capacity to effectively and speedily deal with GBV cases, has seen a marked improvement in the manner in which it deals with such cases.

Internally, the University’s Transformation office, Emthonjeni Student Wellness and Student Health units, among others, have put in place a number of initiatives and critical processes aimed at enhancing the reporting and support measures.

These include an online reporting system, available on the staff and student portals, set up to ensure reported incidents are dealt with in line with the applicable policy; and various awareness and support initiatives such as psychosocial support to GBV complainants as well as perpetrators — the latter as part of the corrective justice stance of the University.

The Legal Services office continues to deal with all formal cases relating to gender and sexual based violence, with the applicable sanctions meted out to all found guilty of these transgressions.

“Mandela University, as an engaged institution with renewed commitment to actively fighting the scourge of GBV on its campuses, continues the work towards ensuring a safer environment for all within the gender spectrum,” says Dr Levendal.

“We are encouraged by the strides made to date towards effectively and efficiently dealing with reported GBV cases and call on the continued collaboration between the various partners to not only bring perpetrators to book, but to also continue our collective efforts to change attitudes and behaviours that do not support the principles of human dignity, equality and social justice, as reflected in our country’s constitution.”

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Dealing with violence in the home Here are some tips for children on how to deal with GBV in the home: ● Take care of yourself. Never get involved in a fight with the abusive person as you can get hurt. ● Know that the violence is not your fault and don’t get drawn into the situation. ● How adults respond to their relationship problems is their choice, but violence is never OK. ● How you’re feeling about the situation is normal. You can love the abusive parent, but not their behaviour.

It’s normal to feel confused or frustrated, or have mixed feelings. ● Always take note of what’s happening and how you feel about it. Prepare yourself to tell your side of the story if you have to. ● Always have the phone numbers of trusted people you can talk to about the situation. Also have the numbers of the police and places offering counselling and support. ● Talk to a trusted adult about the situation. Don’t listen to someone who tells you not to tell anyone. Remember, it affects you too. ● Children living in an abusive home can be taken to places of safety where they will receive care and protection. ● If the abuse involves or affects you directly, report it. Keeping it a secret does not help as the abuse will continue and may even get worse. ● If you think a friend or peer is having problems at home, speak to them about it. Always remember that his/her safety is important and that he/she needs to talk to a trusted adult for help.

Friday 27 August 2021

Contact Rape Crisis Centre or partner organisations for help The Rape Crisis Centre offers crisis counselling/acute counselling services to sexual violence victims.

The organisation is one of the partner organisations based at the Thuthuzela Care Centre at the Dora Nginza Hospital in Zwide and offers 24/7/365 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) services, which also includes HIV testing and counselling, support, and psychosocial support.

Clients are encouraged, linked and visited to ensure they adhere to their treatment.

The organisation further provides health services such as HIV testing and counselling, clinical services such as family planning, administering ART (antiretroviral drugs) and for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) clients who experience genderbased violence, conduct risk reduction workshops, sensitisation training, small groups and awareness activities.

The organisation at the Thuthuzela Care Centre also offers first responder counselling services.

Contact numbers to receive assistance: Police — 10111 Rape Crisis Centre — 041-484-3804 Thuthuzela Care Centre — 041-406-4112 Famsa — 041-585-9393 Lifeline — 086-132-2322 Stop GBV Helpline — 0800-150-150 Child Line — 0800-055-555 GBV Command Centre — 0800-428-428

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Friday 27 August 2021

enough is enough

Protesters wearing face masks to protect against the coronavirus, seen during a gender based violence protest outside parliament in June in Cape Town Picture:GALLO IMAGES/NARDUS ENGELBRECHT

Factors contributing to gender-based violence There is no single reason why people commit gender-based violence or why we have high levels of gender-based violence in SA. The following are some of the factors that contribute to gender-based violence:

1.

Patriarchy is a source of male violence. Patriarchy refers to “a system of interrelated social structures through which men exploit women”.

Some use the term to refer to “a general structure in which men have power over women”.

It is important to note that patriarchal attitudes in many communities have softened. For instance, gone are the days when women were not allowed to vote and to enter the labour market.

2.

Alcohol and substance abuse are the key drivers of gender-based violence.

It is true that drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs can make it difficult for some people to control their anger and actions.

People who are intoxicated may experience impaired thinking. Thus, alcohol and substance abuse do contribute to genderbased violence.

3.

Obsessive possessiveness or jealousy contributes to gender-based violence.

Some court judgments have found that obsessive possessiveness or jealousy has led perpetrators to commit violent acts

against their victims.

4.

Certain types of personality disorders or mental illnesses can contribute to gender-based violence.

While this can be true, we need to be careful not to think that male violence is only caused by mentally sick men or is the result of impaired masculinity in a few men.

Male violence is so widespread in our country that it can’t be associated only with mental sickness.

5.

People who grow up in a violent family are more likely to commit gender-based violence.

Research shows that family violence can cause a cycle of abuse, where those family members think it is acceptable to abuse others.

6.

Gender-based violence is largely a socioeconomic consequence. Some research has revealed a direct link between socioeconomic status and gender-based violence.

7. Men’s violence against women is particularly facilitated by women’s weak economic position.

One of the main reasons victims of gender-based violence have cited for remaining in a violent relationship is because they are dependent on their spouses for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.

8.

Men learn to be violent through the process of socialisation.

Some research has shown that in some cultures, initiation school graduates demand subservient respect from girls and girls who do not comply are prone to violence.

9.

Male chauvinism, misogyny and toxic masculinity are to blame for high levels of gender-based violence.

Different dictionaries define these concepts as follows: Male chauvinism refers to “male prejudice against women or the belief that men are superior to women in terms of ability and intelligence”.

Misogyny refers to “the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against, women”.

Toxic masculinity refers to “harmful behaviour and attitudes commonly associated with some men, such as the need to repress emotions during stressful situations and to act in an aggressively dominant way”.

10.

Men often validate their masculinity through violent behaviour towards women, girls, gay men and boys and lesbians.

As in other patriarchal cultures, traditional and outdated ideals or notions of masculinity and femininity are still prevalent in this country.

Historically, men were taught that being

masculine meant to revere violence and stoicism and to hyper-sexualise women.

As a result, boys are often pressured to distance themselves from associations of weakness and homosexuality.

Thus, it is argued that to fight genderbased violence, we have to demonstrate care and understanding to boys and assist them in dealing with the internal and external pressures that can make them abusive.

11.

Homophobia is the main cause of violence against people who are not heterosexuals or who are perceived or thought to be homosexual.

Homophobia has been defined in some literature or textbooks as “the fear of homosexuality and homosexual people and of all things associated with homosexuality”.

Homophobes react differently to people who are perceived or thought to be homosexuals.

Some avoid having anything to do with homosexual people, including any conversation about homosexuality.

Others have physically, verbally and sexually attacked people perceived or thought to be homosexual.

Corrective rapes have been reported in many communities across the country.

Corrective rape is defined in some dictionaries as “the act of raping a lesbian woman in an attempt to turn her heterosexual”.

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Friday 27 August 2021

A D V E RT O R I A L

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS TO IDENTIFY TRAUMA IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AGES 3 – 5 YEARS OLD

W

ITNESSING VIOLENCE between one’s parent and caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behaviour from one generation to the next.

Children who have witnessed/are exposed to domestic violence may show a change in school performance and have impaired attention and concentration and more school absences.

The incidence of domestic violence can seriously interrupt the school routine and the processes of teaching and learning.

Learners traumatized by exposure to violence have been shown to have lower grade point averages, more negative remarks in their cumulative records and more reported absences from school than other students. They may have increased difficulties concentrating and learning. They may engage in reckless or aggressive behaviour.

They further learn gender roles associated with violence (male) and victimization (female) and their observed interactions enforces the perception of the use of aggression as acceptable.

We may see regressive behaviour such as bed wetting, unusual clinginess and the instability may inhibit their independence.

Typical problems faced by children in our societies include abuse, neglect, displacement, behavioural problems, Hi-Tec Trekking Socks substance abuse and difficulties at school.

AGES 6 – 12 YEARS OLD

AGES 13 – 18 YEARS OLD

Tantrums

Suicidal thoughts or actions

Verbal abuse towards others

Inability to be soothed or comforted

Withdrawal from friends / family

Self-harm

Acting out in social situations

Low self-esteem

Irritability

Associating with negative peers or adults

Easily startled Nightmares Stomach aches and headaches Verbal abuse towards others Overly bossy or controlling

Sleeplessness

Risky behaviours that includes sexual behaviour

Loneliness

Panic attacks

Loss of appetite

Eating problems

Inability to trust others or make friends

Lack of self-confidence

Confusion

Unhealthy romantic relationships Running away Defiant

P.S. The above symptoms are not specifically isolated for age groups, however every child is unique and could display any of the above stated symptoms.

Stories of child abuse are common in South Africa; one out of four children are abused daily and it has been estimated that a child goes missing every five hours. Reducing the high levels of violence against children is among South Africa’s most overwhelming tasks. Despite the country’s progressive child protection laws, policies and programs, high levels of abuse and violence are reported on a daily.

Given the huge ramifications around domestic and genderbased violence issues that organizations deal with daily, the need for greater prevention and intervention measures is

crucial. Taking into consideration the number of women who report daily that they are survivors of domestic violence, one concludes there are numerous children in schools who come from violent homes. Because of the lack of counseling and other resources available in our society, the majority of these children never have access to the services that they need to deal with their experiences. Thus, the Saartjie Baartman Centre has a Child Protection Unit that assists children who experienced domestic violence/gender-based violence in their home, school or in their communities.

WHERE TO ACCESS SERVICES: Saartjie Baartman Centre, Klipfontein Road, Manenberg Call: 021 633 5287 / WhatsApp: 076 470 9314

admin@womenscentre.co.za

Saartjie Baartman Centre

Saartjie Baartman Centre

ABOUT: The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children (SBCWC) was opened in 1999 as the first multi-disciplinary service (one-stop) centre for abused women and children in the country. This provided an opportunity for organisations to come together as partners to develop an appropriate on-site multiagency service delivery model for the effective management, treatment and prevention of violence against women and children. It also presented an opportunity for a partnership approach between government departments and the nongovernmental sector.

The Centre has since evolved to be the prime learning site nationally for providing holistic, integrated services to survivors of violence. Some of the services

provided are managed directly by the Saartjie Baartman Centre. These include a 24-hour crisis response; a residential shelter and transitional housing for abused women and their children; legal assistance; and job-skills training.

The Centre is situated in Manenberg on the Cape Flats, an area with extremely high rates of crime, gangsterism, child abuse, unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence.

There are few resources available in Manenberg and the surrounding areas and as a result the Centre provides services to a wide range of constituencies: neighbouring townships, farming communities in the Phillippi, Constantia, and Stellenbosch areas, and ‘informal’ settlements.

HELP AT HAND: Many children under the age of 18 are subjected to various forms of abuse, and there are programmes that cater specifically to their needs

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Friday 27 August 2021

Taking steps to escape the prison of abuse Gender-based violence destroys lives.

For example, a woman with bruises from her partner might avoid being around family, friends and work colleagues to keep the abuse a secret, making her feel isolated.

If she chooses not to go to work, it may affect her income.

Violence in the home also affects children, even if they themselves are not being abused.

They are at greater risk of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Some end up being bullies.

GBV limits a woman’s ability to protect herself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/Aids or an unplanned pregnancy, because she will find it difficult to negotiate safe sex.

Your first steps to getting better: ● You need to acknowledge to yourself that you are not to be

blamed for your partner’s behaviour or your partner mistreating you. ● You should further acknowledge that you are not the cause of your partner’s abusive behaviour and do not make excuses for their behaviour. ● Tell yourself that you deserve to be treated with respect and with dignity. ● Tell yourself that you deserve a safe and happy life within your relationship. ● Your children also deserve a safe and happy life. ● If you want to leave the relationship, make sure that you are first safe. ● Confide in a trusted friend or relative what you are going through and that you want to leave.

Leaving is a personal decision you make. ● Be kind, patient and gentle with yourself. You are not alone.

There are people waiting to help.

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

Friday 27 August 2021

Encouraging Self-Expression Through Art Burn marks I’ve got burn marks they itch they ooze they bruise all because of you I’ve got burn marks they do not yearn to see you they sink when near you You caused burn marks

3…2...1 Mys My brain’s feeling clustered My heart’s kinda flustered My skin’s creepy crawling When ever your voice is calling My name is not yours to moan My body is not yours to own When you feel some sort of way My way is not the way It’s time to convince you other wise So here we go again ● Grade 10 pupil Okuhle Soganga, 15,

Picture: Sarah van der Merwe – Theodore Herzl (Grade 6) Picture:Damian Elie – John Walton Senior Secondary (Grade 12)

A World Of Cruelty In a world of lost souls, We live amongst cruel people.

A place where humans are unaware of their own goals, Trying to figure out their lives like a riddle.

A world where humans are not afraid to pull the trigger,

Where they let you suffer alone on the floor.

Leaving you grasping for air as everything becomes dimmer, As you peacefully lay down and let all your blood pour.

I wonder why males are misogynistic, Leading to women living in fear.

All we see in this world is conflict,

Nothing is really clear.

A place where citizens are all affected, Though is there something good to see?

That’s a funny question because people are dejected, All I’m trying to say is that we live in ‘a world of cruelty’ ● Sinovuyo Dyanthie – St Marks

Root causes of violence against women lie in unequal power relations Gender-based violence in all its forms denies women and girls opportunities to achieve equality and freedom as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of SA. The root causes of violence against women lie in historically unequal power relations between men and women, and pervasive discrimination against women in both the public and private spheres.

Individual or family behaviour patterns, including histories of abuse and harmful use of alcohol, have also been correlated with an increased risk of violence.

While violence against women cuts across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth and geography, there are groups of women who are especially prone to be targeted for violence.

These include, but are not limited to, women with disabilities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, older women, lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and women living with HIV/Aids.

Violence against women causes untold misery, cutting lives short and leaving countless women living in pain and fear.

It can lead to serious short- and

long-term physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems for survivors and their children.

Though much still needs to be done to fight gender-based violence and femicide, government has made notable strides through interventions like the Orange Day Campaign.

The Orange Day Campaign is part of the UN secretary-general’s Unite to End Violence Against Women by 2030 campaign.

It is a multi-year campaign aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls around the world.

It calls upon governments, civil society, women’s organisations, youth formations, private sector and media to join forces in addressing violence against women and girls.

The 25th of every month has been designated as Orange Day by the UN Women Campaign Say No, Unite launched in 2009 to mobilise civil society, activists, governments and the UN system to amplify the impact of the UN secretary-general’s campaign, Unite to End Violence against Women.

Participants the world over are encouraged to wear a touch of or-

ange in solidarity with the cause — the colour symbolises a brighter future and a world free from violence against women and girls.

PROVISION OF SERVICES To provide support to victims and survivors of gender-based violence, the department of social development offers the following services in all districts of the province: ● Assessment and counselling ● Practical support, emotional support and information regarding the process of criminal investigation ● Reports for court including victim impact assessment reports ● Trauma debriefing offered before and after doctor’s examination especially in sexual offences cases at Thuthuzela Care Centres ● Home visits ● Home circumstances investigations by social worker ● Prevention programmes — Awareness and educational programmes in school and communities ● Psychosocial support ● Referral for shelter services where needed ● After-care servicesDoor-to-door campaigns.

The involvement of men and

boys in all programmes is more crucial through the mentorship programmes as men are mostly seen as the main perpetrators of genderbased violence.

The Men and Boys Programme is part of the proposed solutions to eradicate gender-based violence.

It helps men to look at their fears, insecurities and problems that lead them to be perpetrators of gender-based violence.

It also looks at the re-socialisation of men, as they will be responsible fathers and partners and members of our society. Men are also taught to express their feelings without any fear of losing their manhood.

Gender-Based Violence Command Centre The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) operates under the department of social development. The centre operates a national, 24-hour/7 days-a-week call centre facility.

The facility employs social workers who are responsible for call-taking and call referrals. The centre operates an emergency line number — 0800-428-428.

This is supported by a USSD,

“please call me” facility: *120*7867#.

A Skype line, Helpme GBV, for members of the deaf community also exists. (Add “Helpme GBV” to your Skype contacts).

An SMS-based line 31531 for persons with disabilities (SMS “help” to 31531) also exists.

The centre can refer calls directly to SAPS (10111) and field social workers who respond to victims of gender-based violence.

The GBVCC uses mobile technology to estimate the location of a victim, assign the closest social worker in the field to the case, and record and receive continuous feedback on the case.

Regarding the recent incidents of gender-based violence, the department would like to condemn them with the contempt they deserve.

“I am concerned about these seemingly normalised acts of violence against girls and women. It is blatant disregard for human life and throws many families into a socieconomic regression.

“Everyone must raise their voice and act decisively against genderbased violence in all its forms wherever it rears its ugly head,” social development MEC Siphokazi Lusithi said.

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HERALD AND DAILY DISPATCH

Friday 27 August 2021

GRAPHIC: MFUNDO NDEVU