It is never okay to be abused
Last week, the annual global call for 16 Days of Activism was launched in South Africa.
The campaign runs under the banner, ‘Count me in: together moving a non-violent South Africa forward’.
Could you imagine a Johannesburg where for 16 days people were not be violent – where children were not raped and women were not abused. In the greater scheme of things, 16 days does not seem that long and the sad fact is that these 16 days are unrealistic for many. Women and children are raped, abused and murdered daily, but the campaign, unfortunately, does not seem to affect those who do the raping, abusing and murdering.
A rapist does not say to himself, “Well, it’s 16 Days of Activism now so I better not hurt anyone.’
While the campaign no doubt does a lot of good, the sad fact is that a lot of good is simply not enough for a woman or child, or anyone for that matter, who is stuck in an abusive relationship.
So how do these 16 days make a difference? By creating awareness, for a start. The campaign aims to make people aware of the negative impact violence and abuse have on women and children.
One of the key aims of this year’s campaign calls for an expansion of accountability beyond the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to include all government clusters and provinces. While this looks good on paper, one can only hope that the campaign will become a reality and that, one day, we will eventually reach a point where 16 Days of Activism is no longer needed as the goal of the campaign has been reached. Unfortunately, I don’t think that day will ever come.
People can be ugly and do disgusting things, such as trying to kidnap little girls from school or raping women while they are on their way to work. Abuse also happens behind closed doors and while one might think they are in a trusting relationship at first, many find themselves in difficult situations, with no one to turn to and no one to trust.
While the abusers may not head government’s calls for a non-violent South Africa, the rest of us can certainly do our part. Let’s help spread awareness and assist those in need. Let’s be that someone who a person in need can trust.
If you are in an abusive relationship, or you know of someone who needs assistance, call the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150, ChildLine on 08000 55 555 or SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
