Survivor of domestic abuse helps others

Ms Sue Blignaut, a survivor of domestic abuse, is hoping to promote and create awareness around women who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Spotlight on domestic abuse at MAD meeting

The Edenvale resident hopes to achieve her goal by establishing Hope Central, a non-profit charity (NPC) in Edenvale.
“We are still setting up the charity but our long term goal is to empower, educate and assist women in distress,” said Ms Blignaut.

Revved up against domestic violence

She said Hope Central has been endorsed by Trauma Support South Africa, EMS Chaplaincy and Trauma Support.
Ms Blignaut said she is currently in the process of registering Hope Central as an NPC.
She said one branch of Hope Central has already been established in Brakpan.
Hope Central is a volunteer organisation and hopes to be one of the first points of contact for people in crisis.
Ms Blignaut was married for 20 years and was a victim of domestic abuse, which occurred primarily through emotional and physical means.
During her marriage Ms Blignaut said the domestic violence began to escalate.

Support for victims of domestic violence

“It’s a continuous cycle, the domestic abuse happens, apologies are made and then it builds up to domestic abuse again,” said Ms Blignaut.
She said it is typical behaviour for victims to blame themselves for what is happening and for them to think they they need to be better wives.
Ms Blignaut, who has now been divorced for 10 years, said the healing process was a long road.
“Only in the the past four years have I felt that I am a survivor. Trauma changes a person forever,” said Ms Blignaut.
Ms Blignaut’s path to establishing Hope Central began in 2011. This is when she started doing community work and began helping people in need.
“I had thought of the idea in 2009 but realised I needed to heal myself before I could help others,” said Ms Blignaut.
While helping people Ms Blignaut said she fine-tuned her attention to women affected by domestic violence, sexual violence and prostitution.
Ms Blignaut said a key part to the road of recovery is the realisation that one needs assistance and help.
“Every victim needs to be the writer of their own survival,” said Ms Blignaut.
She said many people try to ignore the trauma of the event and pretend that it never happened.
Ms Blignaut said by doing this people are not able to heal as effectively.
“It is a privilege to help other people by giving them support. When you help many of these people you are stepping into their worst nightmare,” said Ms Blignaut
Through establishing Hope Central, Ms Blignaut said the organisation offers an additional support structure to ensure people do not fall through the cracks.