POWA speaks out about GBV

After it was discovered he had allegedly been holding his 35-year-old partner hostage for six months, a 45-year-old man was arrested and charged with rape, kidnapping and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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Express approached People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) to better understand how women facing gender-based violence can deal with these types of situations.

Jeannette Sera, a social worker and Powa member, said the main protocol for victims or survivors of such incidents is to keep them safe.

“Powa strives to ensure their victims are always supported and aware they have the right to safety,” Sera said.

According to Sera, victims are frequently given the option of returning home or staying at the shelter.

“They are given the options so they can re-experience the feeling of the real world, of making decisions for themselves and for their own benefit. Some people prefer to stay at the shelter because they believe it is a safer and more comfortable environment where they can gradually regain their confidence, while others prefer to go home.”

When asked if the organisation, the government, the police or the people are doing enough, Sera responded nothing could ever be enough for the women or victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

“We hear about this all the time as a country, and survivors are hesitant to report cases due to secondary victimisation.”

Secondary victimisation occurs as a result of the response of institutions and individuals to the victim, which is often the responsibility of communities.

“People hear stories like these all the time from friends, family and even social media and are often quick to judge, asking questions like ‘why did she stay?’ It’s this type of behaviour that causes some cases to go unnoticed,” said Sera.

She explained the organisation sometimes lacks funds to assist all women affected by the GBV pandemic.

“As an organisation, we are constantly reliant on our funds. The assistance we provide and the needs of these women will never be sufficient. The government and officials can do more, particularly in terms of ensuring perpetrators are imprisoned and victims receive justice.

“The police can ensure restraining orders serve their purpose and that if that order or anything goes wrong, the perpetrator is arrested,” said Sera.

She added it was difficult to identify signs that family members, friends or community members can look out for because each case and person is unique.

“The victims all go through different experiences and have different reactions to them, but I believe one should always be willing to believe.”

Sera said victims of abuse often do not speak up because they are afraid of being judged or that no one will believe them.

People must realise this can happen and that not believing or judging them is the same as closing a door in their face. As a result, they become more fearful and withdraw.

“Victims do not need to be judged. It is critical that we understand and support them,” said Sera.

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