On December 7, the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre commemorated 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children by marching through the Benoni CBD to raise awareness around the event.
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According to Rose Maja, public relations officer at iThemba, they work to combat various social problems but primarily focus on trauma, rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.
“The organisation has eight satellite offices called Victim Empowerment Centres (VEC) in Benoni, Boksburg, Actonville, Crystal Park, Etwatwa, Putfontein, Tsakane and Daveyton areas at the SAPS premises, providing these services for free to the public,” explained Maja.
“The goal of the centre is to see the clients functioning to their full capacity in the society.”
Maja said the purpose of the march was to educate and raise awareness to the community about the killing of women and children in and around Benoni.
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Also present at the event was a representative from the Women’s Directorate office of the mayor, Kgothatso Koopedi.
“We’re raising awareness around the violation and abuse that occurs on a daily basis against women and children,” said Koopedi.
“Our message is that we need to break the silence and we as the community need to work together to eradicate abuse.”
Koopedi further emphasised the message from Ekurhuleni and the mayor’s office was to offer support to victims around the municipality
“One of our pledges is that we will support women towards social and economic transformation.”
The march started at the corner of Kimbolton Street and Mowbray Avenue.
The march proceeded from the starting point through to Kemston Avenue then to Tom Jones Street, onto Cranbourne Avenue and finally back to Kimbolton.
Among those offering their support to the cause was the EMPD, Kids Haven, Benoni Child Protection Forum and Girl Guides from Willowmoore High School.
For information regarding the fight against abuse contact Maja at iThemba on 011 422 4107
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