The SOS Women and Children Foundation is in desperate need of donations to keep on fighting the battle against gender-based violence and child abuse.
Founder Amanda Goodchild stated the foundation requires non-perishable foods, meat, fruits, vegetables, maize meal, toiletries, cleaning supplies and financial support. The foundation is also looking for volunteers willing to help them build a stall for their two ponies.
To raise funds, Amanda mentioned they sell solar geysers and rent out small bachelor cabins. However, she added that it is barely enough to keep the organisation on its feet.
Five years ago, Amanda decided to establish a foundation to help abused and neglected children. She added their goal is also to support mothers by removing them from the abusive situation and taking them to the police where they can open a case. They also offer their support by taking the victims to the hospital and ensuring the completion of J88 forms. Thereafter, the foundation continues its support in the courtroom to get a protection order against the perpetrator.
While the procedure is taking place, the foundation provides a place of safety for the abused victims or they take the victims to close family members.
“We also give advice and counselling across South Africa. We have had a lot of victims from other areas seeking our help,” she expressed.
She explained one of the situations was when they received a call about five children and a woman needing help.
She further stated the children never received any education during the time and they also had no identification documents. The woman’s husband held her captive on the farm and refused to give her freedom and the representative mentioned he was physically abusing her.
“We contacted the authorities and they said that the woman should open a case at the police station. It was obvious that the woman was unable to leave the residence to go to the station. We took it upon ourselves to pressure the police into going to the residence. The husband was eventually arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and a pipe bomb,” she said.
The foundation did not hesitate to support the family after the incident. She said they organised identification documents for the children.
She further mentioned they give food to about 25 people daily. In the past, the foundation has also offered assistance to substance abuse addicts, even though it was not what they originally planned to do.
She gave a few safety tips which can be used to possibly prevent abuse in a household.
“All single women should be cautious when they have a young child. Especially a daughter. This could open a door for paedophiles. Also, a mother has the choice to leave an abusive relationship, but the children do not. So, the mother should not allow the man to intimidate her, and she should try to leave the relationship at all costs,” she explained.
“Move. Get away from that situation. There are always people willing to help. You do not have to stay,” she claimed.
If you are willing to contribute to their cause, contact the foundation on 076 729 1845.
