Violence and abuse remains a concern amid 16 Days of Activism campaign
Social ills such as substance abuse and unemployment are considered as some of the biggest contributors to violence in the community.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign that is observed annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
It is a campaign that has been ongoing for years, however, according to Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre manager, Jenny Gomes, a lot still needs to be done to address the scourge of violence and abuse against women and children.
The Victim Friendly Centre serves as the resource centre of the Wentworth police station’s trauma unit for abused women.
“We work on abuse and violence-related cases 365 days a year. Yes, awareness is important but is it affecting real change in the community and changing people’s mindsets? I don’t know. But we can be grateful that the message is being put out there that places of support for victims are available,” said Gomes.
She explained how she has seen how abuse is perpetrated by women, men, parents and children.
“We get many different types of cases referred to us, such as rape and domestic abuse, from station’s trauma unit and we work 24/7. Violence and abuse are very high in Wentworth and many families are left traumatised by the loss of their loved ones. We see about 200 cases in a month, some of which are walk-ins. Although the centre is for abused women only, we do tend to bend the rules and have since become a one-stop-shop for many abuse victims in need,” said Gomes who explained that the centre works on a referral system to other departments or centres if they need to outsource support or shelter for victims.
Counselling, legal assistance and life skills are some of the many services offered to the many who find refuge at the centre.
“Many people who walk through our doors come from very bad backgrounds but after getting support from the centre, they get empowered and begin to identify with themselves and improve their lives,” said Gomes who has worked at the centre for over 20 years.
She notes substance abuse and unemployment as some of the biggest contributors to violence in the community. “The hardest part of the work I do is when I see the innocent children suffer.
“When there is a break up in the home there is always a struggle with the children. Even in the case where the mother is having an affair, she still wants to have custody of her children and sometimes it’s just to spite the father. This happens vice versa. Children are often caught in the middle of fights and violence and are scarred the most. It is very sad.
“I saw a need to get in this line of work because there was a great need for it in the community. I also came from a family there was a lot of abuse. It’s something that resonated with me and still does to this day. It has always been in my heart and I’ve found it very rewarding. If I can help one person, it makes a significant difference,” she said.
In a year impacted by Covid-19, the looting and the increased cost of living, the centre faces challenges in funding and securing sponsorships.
Appeals for food donations towards the organisation feeding scheme as well as toiletries are made to the greater public.
“We also need built-in cupboards as our residents in the shelter mainly keep their items in black bags. If we don’t get donations, we fork everything out of our pockets. It’s what we do and we love it otherwise we would not be here,” said a passionate Gomes.
To donate to the Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre or for more information call 083 632 5798.
