Local NPO stand up for victims of abuse
A Roodepoort-based NPO helps women and children in domestic violence situations who need a place of safety.
Crayon Girls Academy is an organisation that offers assistance to victims of domestic violence.
The organisation has two different parts, it’s a non-government (NGO) organisation that supports victims, and another that offers classes to teach people sewing skills which then pays for the support of the women and children.
Founder of the organisation Elizma* explained they are focused on the immediate care of the victims, and for that reason, they provide them with a sanitary bag that contains soap, shampoo, body lotion, a washcloth, a toothbrush, and toothpaste as well as sanitary pads. Each sanitary bag also has a little teddy bear inside with a prayer of hope. She added that, after receiving the bag, the woman in question is then placed in a place of safety.
That is not where the assistance ends, as the women are supported throughout their whole journey, they are able to start their new lives.
“The women are given the opportunity to upskill themselves to help them get back into society, knowing they are able to care for themselves. By doing this, we give them the chance to build a life and prevent them from ending up in the same place they originally came from.”
Elizma explained that the initiative to help others came after she had to undergo an operation, something went wrong and she had to be resuscitated. Upon waking up she explained that God lead her on this journey to help those in need.
“If someone that needs help crosses paths with me, I immediately act, no matter where they are from, I help them and God brings people on my way in the most miraculous and strangest ways,” said Elizma.
She has been helping victims for five years now, this includes women, children, and even grandmothers at times. She stated most of the cases they come across are largely due to drug and alcohol abuse. However, with the support and understanding of Elizma and her team, they are able to start anew.
“Their lives change from this to that, and they are no longer knocked down women\, but women that bloom,” she said.
She asked any person willing to help with the necessities to drop any sanitary products or clothing off at West Rand Sewing at Sterlig Nursery on Ontdekkers Road, Roodepoort.
*Elizma’s surname was withheld for safety reasons.
