As part of ending the cycle of gender-based violence, Benoni residents Rochelle Moodley and her husband, Shaun, have established a safe haven in Boksburg for abused women and children called Women on the Rise.
The safe haven, the location of which will not be disclosed in the article, is being operated under the UJ Development NPO and will provide emergency accommodation for abused women and children.
The shelter is fully secured with high fencing, has three bathrooms and toilets and a kitchen, lounge and dining room.
Speaking during the launch on October 10, Moodley said the aim of the safe haven is to equip and empower women with skills to help them to be independent so they never rely on perpetrators who resort to violence.
“The reason why we opened this shelter is that ever since I moved to Gauteng in 2011, I’ve seen how women are being abused and kicked out with no safe place to stay.
“Some of them then turn to substance abuse in order to block out what’s happening and children tend to suffer in the process. This shelter will provide women with love and a sense of belonging.”
Moodley said they haven’t welcomed any clients so far.
“At the moment, we are trying to get beds, a lounge suite and a fridge so these women can live comfortably after their traumatic ordeal.”
The home has four spacious rooms and can accommodate eight to 10 women who have been referred from Green Doors shelters, the police and the community.
Some of the activities and programmes that will be offered to women will include life skills coaching, counselling, skills empowerment programmes and bookkeeping course.
“It would be an honour if we can receive support from local businesses and the community at large to help reach more and more needy women,” she said.
Anyone interested in contributing to the sustainability of and its activities can email Rochelle at rochellemoodley34@gmail.com
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