The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign runs every year from November 25 to December 10.
The Benoni City times had a chat with Elsie Labuschagne, director of the Greater Benoni Child Welfare, and Waseela Ally, social work services manager, regarding issues that women and children face when they come to the organisation for help.
What are your views on the 16 days for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign?
It is a very good government initiative, however, I think it should run throughout the year and not only to raise awareness about protecting women and children but also men as many times men are abused by women but do not speak out about it.
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March to highlight incidents of abuse against women and children
What types of abuse are prevalent in the cases you deal with?
Sexual, emotional and physical abuse. The one that is most prevalent, because you can see it at face value, is sexual and physical abuse. There is an increase of rape, within the last couple of months, with regards to children, such as sodomy, that has taken place in the home. We have even dealt with cases of young girls being drugged, blind folded and raped.
What are the contributing factors to violence against women and children?
Intolerance with regards to children. People’s views are not the same and husbands and wives often disagree on ways to raise or discipline children. Then also financial stress – for example, when a father is unemployed and has no money to look after the family he could take it out on the mother and child.
Why is it important to report abuse?
So that we can help the victim and also help the perpetrator, who we believe also needs help.
What factors contribute to people not reporting abuse?
The victim is afraid of the abuser. They do not want to be stigmatised. They depend on the abuser financially and children are intimidated by adults.
What are the various types of abuse?
• Physical: Is any intentional and unwanted contact with you or something close to your body.
• Emotional: Includes non-physical behaviours such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or “checking in,” excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or stalking.
• Sexual: Refers to any action that pressures someone to do something sexually they don’t want to do.
• Financial: Can be very subtle and include telling you what you can and cannot buy or requiring you to share control of your bank accounts.
• Cyber: Is the use of technologies, such as texting and social networking, to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate someone.
(Information: www.loveisrespect.org)
Where to get help
• IThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre 0861 467 348.
• Greater Benoni Child Welfare 011 849 5241.
• People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa) 083 765 1235.
• Childline 08000 55555
• Lifeine Ehurhuleni 011 421 0384
• Benoni SAPS 011 747 0000
• Women and Men Against Child Abuse 011 789 8815
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