Crisis team launches 16 days campaign

THE Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team was at various locations around Durban North, La Lucia and uMhlanga on Saturday, raising awareness about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on 25 November.

The international campaign, which began in 1991, coincides with the International Day Against Violence Against Women and December 10 (international Human Rights Day) in order to highlight violence against women and human rights and to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights.

Carol van Tonder, the founder of the crisis team, said although the 16 days of activism campaign had grown momentum, gender-based abuse still continues to dominate the local news and is still widespread.

“I feel the 16 days of activism have helped to raise awareness and educate women and children, but certainly more needs to be done. We are witnessing an increase in domestic violence in our area, but so many cases go unreported out of fear. We need to re-educate our society.

“Children need to be taught to respect women and their rights. They need to be taught to champion gender equality. This must become part of our education system. Parents and teachers all have a role to play in educating the youth and its through these structures that we will see real success in the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.

Van Tonder added that her team of volunteers was dedicated to making a difference to those in the most vulnerable of positions.

“We want to help those in need. So many women who are victims of domestic abuse are left with no money or food until their case goes to court and many are left with serious injuries. Children are also suffering. We provide love and support and we assist to find them safe places where they can heal and receive love,” she said.

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