Standing up against abuse

OLIVEDALE – Kayla McDougall, a local teenager who lives in Olivedale, is a finalist in the Miss Regal International Teen SA 2019.

The theme of this year’s pageant is creating awareness for Powa (People opposing women abuse), specifically for the East Rand and West Rand shelters.

When Kayla found out that Powa was the pre-selected organisation that the finalists would be raising awareness and funds for, she was immediately on board. “My grandmother was in an abusive relationship as a teenager. My mother was also in an abusive relationship at the same age. I’m 16 and I have already experienced an emotionally abusive relationship.”

Kayla realises that this is a topic that isn’t discussed enough. She added, “This isn’t something that we think will happen to us, but you can see, it’s been around for many generations.”

Kayla belies that an abusive relationship doesn’t just ‘suddenly’ happen. “You don’t get punched in the face on the first meeting. It’s like a noose pulling tighter and tighter.”

Kayla said that teenagers need to see the red flags, as well as what healthy relationships look like.

She wants the youth of today to be informed that they can contact organisations like Powa for help or advice.

Although abuse against women happens across all sectors of the community, Powa’s primary target is women who come from disadvantaged communities with limited or no resources at all or those that cannot afford alternative resources in their areas.

“Powa gives a voice to the survivors of all forms of gender-based violence,” said Kayla.

The Miss Regal International SA 2019 and Teen SA 2019 crowning event will be held at The Venue, Melrose Arch on 5 April.

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