Three weeks after the world-wide campaign against gender-based violence had ended, two separate domestic-violence related murders were committed in the Randfontein area. In view of these tragic events, one wonders if and how they could have been prevented.
In many relationships where either a woman or a man is abused – emotionally, physically, verbally
or economically – the victim, especially after being physically abused, either keeps quiet about it, complains about it to others, or contacts the authorities.
When someone is arrested for alleged physical abuse, the person is locked up, then appears in court and in some cases is granted bail. However, so many cases are withdrawn the day the abuser and the victim appear in court.
This becomes a vicious circle, as the victim either feels sorry for her or his partner, or believes the abuse will not be repeated. Often the abuser will seemingly change, showering the victim with gifts, etcetera.
This only lasts a while, and then the abuse continues. In the justice system it is frowned upon if the victim keeps on withdrawing cases of abuse. In the end, nobody takes the victim seriously.
There are many red flags to watch out for before entering into a serious relationship. It is very important to know what domestic violence entails, the types of abuse, and your rights.
Possessiveness, jealousy, controlling the victim’s life and money, keeping the victim away from his or her family, aggressive behaviour and aggression towards animals are just some forms of abuse.
Remember: Get out of any abusive relationship as soon as possible, as it may cost you your life.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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