16 Days of Activism 2020: LEDET focus on emotional abuse within the workplace

LIMPOPO – Today is the first day of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children which are annually observed from 25 November to 10 December.

It is a worldwide campaign to highlight violence against women and children and it aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to rid society of abuse permanently. This year the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Department will focus on emotional abuse with in the workplace.

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Zaid Kalla, Departmental Spokesperson says gender-based abuse is a much broader problem which at times spreads to the workplace. “Emotional abuse should be given a priority as a key pillar in our fight against gender-based abuse. We seldom give attention to emotional abuse which is at times the foundation of violence. It is critical to deliberately prevent workplace abuse as well as gender-based abuse by giving attention to and exposing small incidents if we are to win the battle against the many abusive ills faced by our people.”

Kalla added that there are many factors with potential to negatively impact both physical and psychological well-being of workers within the working space. “Such abuse impacts employee performance, innovation, employee relations as well as how long employees will stay with the organisation.”

The department encourages all employees to report any form of workplace abuse to relevant line managers within the organisation, labour unions, law enforcement authorities as well as other recognised structures with the ability to deal with such matters decisively.

The Department further advises those with the above listed abusive characteristics to seek rehabilitation or help.

https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/435433/abused-there-is-a-way-out-says-social-worker/