POLOKWANE – Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is regarded as a pandemic in South Africa because it affects society at large.
People often think that victims of GBV are only women and children, forgetting that men are also affected by it.
Jabulani Bilankulu, who is a victim of GBV, believes that being united can help fight the pandemic.
Bilankulu highlighted that GBV awareness campaigns are very important and people should consider attending them so that they can have the necessary knowledge of how to prevent and respond to GBV.
“Campaigns can help an individual realise that bottling things up is not good for one’s mental state,” he added.
Bilankulu told the Polokwane Review-Observer that as a victim of GBV, he felt compelled to start his own foundation, Nyanisi Hoven,
He explained that the foundation focuses on various issues affecting society including GBV, human trafficking and substance abuse, among others.
“Retaliation is not a solution when one is being abused which is why we offer support and encourage people to open up.”
Bilankulu said that GBV awareness campaigns aim to help educate the public by means of making victims aware of their rights.
“Nyanisi Hoven helps victims by offering them a platform to share their stories and advocate for change.”
The foundation also teaches the public about consent and having healthy relationships with the people around them so that they don’t find it hard to open up.
