Subscribers can listen to this article
From left: Buhle Mabhuma from Entokozweni Advice Centre and Bongi Mabena from the Department of Social Development joined kids in a protest against GBV.
DON’T hide domestic abuse.
This was a plea by Lucia Kgapola of the Ingomuso Support Group.
Speaking at the GBV campaign held in Sakhile Village near Tweefontein in Mpumalanga on Tuesday, 10 December, Lucia over-emphasised the importance of reporting abuse to the police.
She pointed out that families and relatives often conceal domestic abuse in their homes.
“If we don’t report perpetrators, the abuse continues and becomes worse. Physical and emotional abuse are rife in communities. Men abuse women physically, and women abuse men emotionally. So, let’s fight the scourge 365 days a year, and we’ll win the war,” Lucia said.
She stressed that even though the 16 Days of Activism Against the Abuse of Women and Children ended on Tuesday, 10 December, communities should continue to report abuse cases.
“We must not turn a blind eye when we see a kid, a woman, and even men being abused in our areas.”
Bongi Mabena from the Department of Social Development raised a concern over a lack of reporting by victims of abuse.
She noted that people view GBV similarly to how they view HIV/Aids, with a stigma attached.
ALSO READ: Python terrorises umphakathi!
“People are still afraid of reporting GBV happening in our homes. They bottle up the kind of abuse they suffer at the hands of loved ones. Statistics are high because every 14 minutes, a woman or a kid is abused in the country. There’s no reason that can justify women holding on to an abusive relationship. They get killed instead,” Bongi said.
Bongi Mabena from the Department of Social Development says hidden abuse hurts everyone.
She said men also suffer abuse but tend to repress it.
“Men, too, have the right to report abuse. Neighbours can also report GBV taking place in their homes.”
Sergeant Duduzile Msiza said the 16 Days of Activism is crucial for women and kids.
“GBV is an excruciating thing and happens behind closed doors most of the time. People must seek a protection order against abusers. As police, we face a huge challenge because victims open cases when they are angry. The next day, they come back to make a withdrawal,” Duduzile said.
“Do the right thing, and don’t withdraw cases. We must stand up and love ourselves and our kids. The community must unite, love one another, and fight GBV.”
The 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to end domestic and gender-based violence.
The annual observance spans from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
During the 16 days, individuals, organisations, and communities come together to advocate for a world free from domestic violence.
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link
Next on Daily Sun
Slyza tsotsi: Undocumented foreigner flees from cops
13 Dec
Show Comments ()
0 Comments