Pastoral team gets counsel on domestic violence
KINGSBURGH Child and Family Welfare in Warner Beach conducted a training course for the Oasis Church pastoral team on gender sensitivity and victim empowerment last week, which concluded on Tuesday, 3 September.
“The course is designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and victim empowerment among service providers and communities,” said Kingsburgh Welfare senior social worker, Sandra Govender.
The programme focused on:
* Causes of domestic violence;
* Sensitising service providers and communties to gender issues and problems and difficulties experienced by women who have been abused;
* Encouraging communities to work together to take action;
* Developing understanding and empathy for women who have been abused.
Oasis Church is a multicultural church in Amanzimtoti and has a pastoral team of caring adults who are passionate about helping people to live full and fruitful lives.
“We want our team to be prepared for situations which may arise in people’s lives and know resources that are available in the Toti area to aid people in crisis,” said pastor of Oasis, Gareth Bowley.
“This training was very helpful in us understanding there are no typical domestic violence situations. It can happen to anyone, in fact we were surprised at the statistic that one in four people will find themselves in a domestic violence situation. We now know more about the cycle of abuse, how to help a person initiate a protection order and also the availability of shelters for women escaping abusive situations. We highly recommend this training to all churches and social organisations in our area.”
The church meets at 9am on Sundays at Amanzimtoti Primary School.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can access resources to help you in your situation. “What you are experiencing is not your fault and you have the right to live free of abuse. Your first courageous step can be to access the help that is out there.”
For more information or help contact Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare on 031-916-2274; Advice Desk for Abused Women (ADAW) on 031-262-5231 or 031-262-9769 or hotline 031-262-9673; safe house 031-903-7777 and Oasis Church office on 083-538-6869.
