Midrand raise awareness for Gabby
MIDRAND – Stickers were sold and proceeds would go to the Gabby Trust for the abused girl.
A socially conscious resident of Midrand Kubin Govindsamy mobilised the community at the Vorna Valley Shopping Centre in support of the abused 4-year-old girl who was beaten unconscious by her mother in Durban.
A video showing the 25-year-old mother beating her daughter went viral in February. The video was apparently taken by the mother’s boyfriend. The couple was arrested on 28 February and appeared in court on 13 March.
To show support for the little girl, awareness stickers with messages #BabyGabby and #JailAbusers were sold for R20 at the centre and the funds raised would go to the Gabby Trust for the girl.
“There is a huge difference between discipline and abuse,” said Govindsamy.
“We wanted to empathise with the little girl. As people, we tend to dissect abuse according to race, gender and ethnicity. It shouldn’t be like that. This is one case but abuse takes place everywhere.”
He added that the fight against abuse started with the community speaking against it. “Why should we wait until there’s permanent damage done to act? That is one child lucky enough to have a stupid adult capturing the whole ordeal on video. What about many other children who suffer abuse and it is not exposed? We need to act as a community the minute we hear or see abuse taking place.”
Govindsamy said he was disappointed that so few people came out in support of the little girl even though it was announced at short notice. “I am highly disappointed with the turnout, that people fail to support a worthy cause like that and only want to support when it is convenient for them.”
He added that the couple should not be given bail and that justice should be served for the little girl who is still in hospital under 24-hour guard. “These sick, psychotic, narcissistic sociopaths need to be punished severely for the crimes committed to this defenceless, powerless and innocent little child. Violence is not inevitable. It can be prevented and it is critical to act now to create safe environments for children which allow them to grow up free from fear”.
What else can communities do to raise awareness of abuse? Tweet us @MidrandReporter
