In the lead up to 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the NEWS/EXPRESS/GCN aims to provide vital information for anyone who finds themselves in a dangerous domestic partnership.
Domestic violence takes many forms, including physical abuse which includes slapping, biting, kicking, assault and threats to cause physical violence.
Emotional and psychological abuse includes insults, name calling, humiliation, and invasion of privacy.
If a person in a relationship withholds money to which the victim is legally entitled to in an unreasonable manner it can be classified as economic abuse.
Other forms of abuse include:
• Stalking – repeatedly following the victim or approaching him or her and demanding to talk to them.
• Damage to property – breaking furniture and deflating the tyres of the victim’s vehicle.
• Unauthorised entry into the victim’s residence – entering the house of an ex-girlfriend without her consent.
• Intimidation – written or verbal death threats which induces fear.
• Harassment – making repeated, unwanted phone calls to the victim, repeatedly watching a person as well as loitering at places the victim is.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that anyone living in a home where they do not feel safe should come up with a safety plan. This includes:
• Identify a neighbour, friend, relative, colleague or shelter to go to in case you need to leave the house immediately for safety.
• Have a plan for how you will exit the house safely and where to flee.
• Keep a few essential items, such as ID documents, phone, money, medicine and clothes, and a list of telephone numbers available in case of an emergency.
• If possible, agree on a code with a trusted neighbour so they can come to your aid in case of an emergency.
Anyone who is worried about someone who may be in a harmful relationship should offer support in a discreet manner:
• Keep in touch with the person to check that they’re safe, ensuring it is safe for them to be in touch with you.
• Assume that a perpetrator of violence can see, hear and or monitor communications, so find out how best to communicate with the person you’re concerned about.
• Do your research: find out which services for survivors of violence against women are functioning during the pandemic and make this information available through your networks and social media.
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Important contact numbers
People Opposed to Woman Abuse (POWA)
Powa provides counselling, telephonically and in person, temporary shelter for and legal help to women who have experienced violence.
The organisation can be contacted on 011 642 434/6.
Stop Gender Violence
Run by LifeLine Southern Africa, Stop Gender Violence offers crisis counselling for women who have been raped or abused. It also gives advice and support to people who wish to help women who are in need of help, and gives legal and other options available.
Contact 0800 150 150
Childline South Africa
Childline is a NPO that assists abused children and their families. The organisation deals primarily with issues including physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioural problems and trafficking.
Contact Childline on 0800 055 555.
Child Welfare South Africa
Child Welfare South Africa focuses on child protection, child care and family development. Neglect and child abuse can also be reported.
Contact the organisation on 074 080 8315.
Family and Marriage Association of SA (Famsa)
Famsa provides counselling and helps in cases of domestic violence and trauma, divorces and mediation. There are 27 offices across the country.
Contact 011 975 7106/7
Tears Foundation
Founded in 2012, this NPO provides a database of medical, legal and psychological services available in South Africa. The primary area of car for the Tears Foundation is rape or sexual abuse survivors.
Contact Tears on 010 590 5920.
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