WATCH: Curbing GBV and living in peace
“It is important for people to know you can take action before something escalates to GBV.”
Bertha Gxowa Hospital (BGH) Care Centre was at the Golden Walk Shopping Centre on December 1 to show their support for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
Sr Hazel Moagi, the centre’s operations manager, said they wanted to create awareness regarding gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
The manager and her team of social workers handed out pamphlets and interacted with community members.
“It is important for people to know you can take action before something escalates to GBV.”
Moagi said they informed people about the different types of abuse that exist, such as physical, emotional, sexual, child abuse and human trafficking.
“We want to make people aware of the free counselling services we offer and explain more about the proper procedure to follow in cases like rape.
“Rape victims should know the next 72 hours after the crime is committed are crucial,” said the nurse.
ALSO READ:
Bishopz foundation takes a stand to protect victims of GBV
The nurse highlighted they do not force victims to open a case.
“We are aware that victims are scared to come to us because they think we will make them open a criminal case.
“That decision is completely up to them unless the victim is a minor, where the Children’s Act will have to be enforced.
“Victims need to come to us as soon as possible because in those 72 hours we can help them prevent HIV infections or any unwanted pregnancy.
“The aim is to stop couples fighting. We would love to see them living in peace so we can help prevent women and children from being killed.”
Moagi added the centre also sees men who come for help.
Rodrick Manganye, a social worker at the care centre, said going to counselling as a couple is important.
“It strengthens your relationship and opens a window to talk about things you are not able to talk about.”
Social worker Nunu Baloyi, from Wannenburg Clinic, encouraged young couples to come to counselling.
“A lot of young people find it difficult to talk to parents and end up committing suicide,” said Baloyi.
The campaign runs every year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
