NPOs, police partner to end women abuse

Local NPO, Rise Again, encouraged victims of abuse to empower themselves in order to rise again and attain their personal goals in life.

This was said in Women’s Month to a group of women by various speakers, including the police and other NPOs at a workshop at Altrec Sports Complex.

The speakers urged the victims to believe in their capacity to break the silence and to take a stand against abuse.

Bhekameva Ncube of Rise Again led participants on a self-introspection exercise which he said would help them to understand how the conduct and behaviour of violence and abuse developed in youngsters through their daily observations of life in the home and community.

“Children will emulate parents who talk ill, act violently against or, abuse each other in front of them,” he said urging the parents and residents, in general, to resolve problems through peaceful dialogue.

His colleague, Tshepo Poto said helping the abused, empowers them to recover from a victim mentality even around financial matters.

“They should be helped to recover from or exit depression and trauma from unworkable relationships and marriages, which immobilises them in all aspects of life.”

Zenzi Sekwena of NPO Girls of Hope said many victims are trapped in a cycle of abuse by internalising and eventually believing it was of their making. He said, “They need psycho-social help to break the silence and take a stand first by opening up and talking within the family, with friends and seeking assistance from relevant organisations.” He urged family members to encourage the victims to talk about their feelings from the emotional and physical threats and beatings and also, help the abusers who would be suffering from a psychotic condition. “Both victim and abuser require professional counselling as long term and sustainable intervention.”

Constable Vhudzisani Kwinda of the social crime prevention unit at the Alex Police Station said the high level of abuse, in particular, rape and domestic violence in the township, also affect the police and others in the helping profession. She urged victims to report the abuse regardless of their relationship with the abuser.

“Most fear to report them as they are breadwinners. In doing so, they compound the emotional trauma in themselves when they see the abuse daily in the home or community,” she said. She advised them, including neglected children and their sympathisers, to report to the police and social workers as their identities won’t be disclosed. “Also, they and their children would be assisted with material support at places of safety.”

Constable Mmathokola Lebeya urged parents to help the police curb child-on-child abuse particular from school gangs. She said this in reference to the Corruption Gang whose members are facing imminent arrest for terrorising others in and outside the school.

Details: Tshepo Poto 073 657 8044.

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