MBOMBELA- Last year’s Women’s Month saw the Greater Rape Intervention Project (GRIP) deal with 248 cases. Of these 132 involved rape and 116 domestic violence.
Speaking to Mpumalanga News this week, GRIP’s CEO, Ms Barbara Kenyon, said since the beginning of this month until the 20th, the organisation has dealt with 100 cases of rape and 44 of domestic violence.
She added, “In the month of August we had a rape case of a 73-year-old so we are seeing a growing number of cases reported by women over 55 and the perpetrators are estimated to be older than 25.
We also see cases where men are being abused by their ex-girlfriends.
Kenyon did however indicate that the cases were ongoing and that the organisation provided court support to the victims.
“Pensioners are also being assaulted and mistreated by their biological children over their pension.”
The following are typical signs of abuse that women should look out for:
• Verbal abuse: This may occur in private or in public and is very degrading and humiliating.
• Controlling behaviour: The man wants to be involved in every aspect of the woman’s life and wants things done his way.
• Jealousy: The man isolates the woman from her friends and even checks her cell phone messages behind her back.
• Quick involvement: The couple moves in together before getting to know each other first.
• Unrealistic expectations: The man expects the woman to be perfect and provide for him financially and emotionally. Typical statements of control include: “If you love me…”, “I am all you need…” and “You are all I need…”.
• Isolation: A man isolates the woman from all contact with others because and defends his actions by saying things like: “I love you so much and want to be with you only”.
• Shifting blame: “It’s your fault I am this angry! If only you would do as I say then there would be no need for any of this!” The woman gets blamed for everything. An abuser rarely takes responsibility for himself or his behaviour.
• Quick reaction: Most abusers have low self-esteem and will consequently easily get insulted or upset. They are likely to see a simple difference in preference as criticism of not only their views, but also of themselves.
