Hundreds of people who know what it feels like to be abused came together to help others who might still be trapped in abusive situations.
Once again, in light of 16 Days of Activism, the Muldersdrift police, the Department of Social Development along with many voluntary social workers and even previous victims of domestic violence came together on 3 December to inform and hopefully set free those affected by domestic abuse in the Muldersdrift area. The Video Centre Informal Settlement saw hundreds of volunteers knocking on doors with bright orange vests and pamphlets advocating no violence against women and children.
“Domestic violence is a very serious crime that must be reported,” police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Hitler Ngwenya said to the volunteer crowd before they set out into the informal settlement.
“We mostly see women and children being abused and especially in rural areas,” he added.
Hitler wants the community to know they have somewhere safe to go when they become victims of abuse and appealed to those who know of neighbours who are abused to also come forward.
“You will be treated as an anonymous complainant if you wish to,” he said.
Grace Jama, one of the volunteers that escaped her abusive husband only when he passed away, wanted to give hope of freedom and a loving relationship to victims of abuse.
“There is a way out,” she said.
“The grass definitely is greener when you get out.”
Hitler reminded the volunteers to not only give out the informative pamphlets, but also read to the people. Especially the older residents, he said.
It seems that community leaders like the police and social development departments not only face domestic violence issues but they are also trying to deliver a message to people who still are unable to read or write.
“We have to explain to them what the need to do if they become victims of abuse. We have to listen to them and be a supportive shoulder,” Hitler explained.
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