Together in unity
These sessions are free and held on the first Saturday of every month.
Words and actions are powerful, especially when used by people who have power over others. While boys and men do experience abuse it is important to remember that the majority of victims of violence are female, and the majority of perpetrators of violence are boys and men.
In an effort to create awareness among women and girls around gender-based violence (GBV) and its resultant mental-health challenges, local activist Jessica Adonis recently established a Women’s Support Group.
“My aim is to break the silence of GBV with the main focus on educating women around the different kinds of abuse. It’s important for them to know that the abuse is not just physical but emotional, verbal, sexual and financial,” Jessica said.
The support group sessions are held once a month and include topics such as self-care, self-help, mental health, depression, motivation, inner healing and dealing with loneliness, among others.
With this Jessica hopes to empower and support women in the community and to give them the resources needed to secure a better reality.
“The benefits of joining the support group are that it gives women a voice and helps them take control. It also builds a common identity, is non-judgemental, works against isolation, allows the sharing of pain, and provides information and referrals,” she explained.
Although the physical group currently consists of eight women, a WhatsApp support group is available for anyone wanting to join. Jessica is excited for it to grow and to offer a safe space for those experiencing GBV.
These sessions are free and held on the first Saturday of every month around 10:00 at Hoërskool Florida. For more information and to RSVP for the next session, feel free to contact Jessica on 082 337 9801.
