Meet one of the women steadily holding up the torch for victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Mara Glennie is the founder of the Tears Foundation in Sandton, a female-led organisation that supports women affected by gender-based violence nationwide through the help of a free 24-hour support helpline.
Glennie herself is a survivor of abuse that essentially could not get the help and support that she needed. “When I went to the police station I couldn’t get any help,” she said.
She added that although the intensity of the post-traumatic stress did leave her feeling suicidal, she knew that she did not want to feel like this any longer. “When I got better I decided that I could either let it affect me, complain about the government and society or I could just make a difference.”
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That difference came in the form the Tears Foundation. “It is a service that I would have liked to have when I was in that police station.”
The foundation allows anyone with access to a mobile phone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, socio-economic background or location to get the support that they need. “It identifies the nearest centre to you and it connects victims to facilities that offer counselling, emergency shelters and referrals to medical facilities for medical attention.”
“It is free for anyone all over South Africa,” Glennie said proudly.
Celebrating its 8th year, the foundation continues to grow and receive the recognition that it deserves. Earlier this year the foundation was honoured with the silver Service of Excellence Award by the Gauteng Premier.
She noted that regardless of the awards, one of her greatest personal achievements lies with the women that she has been able to help over the years. “Being able to help them out of their current circumstances and see them happy is all the acknowledgement I need.
“Very few people have an understanding of how they are feeling, so those moments are more special to me.”
She hoped that for the coming year the foundation is able to support so many more wonderful women across the country. “This is not a subject that people like to talk about or something that corporates like to invest in but I hope that it can change.”
Glennie added that these women need support more now than ever, especially during the national lockdown.
This was proven when police minister Bheki Cele confirmed that the number of gender-based violence complaints remained high and concerning. According to Cele, over 2 300 calls and complaints had been registered at the command centre between 27 March and 31 March – from these, 148 suspects were charged.
“We need to stand together,” Glennie concluded.
If you are in need of assistance or support, SMS the free Tears Foundation helpline on*134*7355#
Individuals and corporates interested in making a donation can email Mara Glennie on mara@tears.co.za
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