Are you being abused?
JOBURG – See red flags of men’s violence against women and a map of places you can go to when you or someone you know is being abused.
This year’s International Women’s Day saw numerous organisations raise awareness against women abuse in South Africa.
Kalliste Kuhn, senior training facilitator Transformed Education about Rape and Sexual Abuse (TEARS) Foundation said South Africa is dubbed the rape capital of the world.
According to Kuhn, in 2009 alone, the SAPS documented that 68 332 cases were reported.
She added that the cumulative statistics suggest that someone is raped every 35 seconds, and yet according to the National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation, only one in 20 cases is reported to the police with even this figure considered to be conservative.
“The figures from the SAPS indicate that 66 387 sexual offences occurred in the 2012–2013 period, with 62 649 cases being reported in the
2013–2014 period. If using the conservative estimate that only one in 20 cases is actually reported, that leaves South Africa with an estimated figure of 1 252 980 sexual assaults for 2012–2013 alone.”
According to the Human Rights Watch, South Africa is dubbed the rape capital of the world.
10 Red Flags of Men’s Violence Against Women
- Jealousy – uses jealousy as a sign of love.
- Intimidation – induces fear.
- Domination – sets all the rules in the relationship.
- Fault finding – passes judgment and constantly criticises.
- Possessive – treats partner like property.
- Disrespect – has negative attitudes about women or other partners.
- Controlling – makes all decisions in the relationship.
- Entitled – believes they have the right to say or do whatever.
- Hypocrite – has different standards and rights for self than others.
- Isolation – keeps friends or family away.
Women needing help to move away from domestic violence can contact TEARS.
“Victims can utilise our ‘Help at your Fingertips’ number, which they can SMS then the three closest emergency intervention sites in their area that include police stations, hospitals and crisis counselling centres. Alternatively, if someone is in an abusive relationship and needs help to move away from it, they can contact TEARS directly on 010 590 5920 or email info@tears.co.za or visit www.tears.co.za”
See map with other places you can go to when being abused.
