Letter: Tears Foundation ready to assist victims of domestic violence
While men and boys are unfortunately also sometimes victims of GBV, it is important to note that this atrocity disproportionately affects women and girls.
We at the Tears Foundation have planned for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign.
This year, the 16 days start on Friday 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and end on Saturday 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Even after the campaign has ended, we want to get our message out there loud and clear:
We are calling for male voices to amplify the voices of women. To step up, stand up, and speak up for their mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers, cousins, and aunts.
Extraordinary times call for exceptional measures, and as the GBV statistics and horrendous crimes soar, the more important it is to call on South Africans, especially men, to do their bit to turn the tide on this scourge that is literally drowning our beautiful nation.
While men and boys are unfortunately also sometimes victims of GBV, it is important to note that this atrocity disproportionately affects women and girls. Since there is a correlation between females’ subordinate status in our society and their increased vulnerability to violence.
It is because of these unequal power relationships that we are calling on all men (perpetrators and non-perpetrators) to become defenders of women.
Men can no longer continue to allow violence to perpetuate.
Remaining silent when knowing of or witnessing any acts of violence against women and children makes them complicit in this savage act. It is time for men to refuse to condone violence against women and children.
It is time for men to challenge traditional norms influencing notions of manhood and the crisis of masculinity; to take accountability and break the cycle.
The Tears Foundation is a South African-based non-profit organization that assists any victim of GBV nationally on a 24/7 basis. Regardless of ethnicity, religion, age, gender, socio-economic background, or location.
Furthermore, TEARS Foundation provides access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, and prevention education services for those impacted by GBV, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse, through the various Tears portals:
By dialing *134*7355# or by phoning the helpline at 010 590 5920 (standard rates apply), or alternatively by email at info@tears.co.za(.)
These platforms are monitored 24/7, 365 days a year, nationwide, with a free service to anyone with phone access.
