Gender-based violence victims empowered to speak out

AIMED at empowering gender-based violence (GBV) victims and the community to break the silence, Brighton Beach Police and other stakeholders hosted an awareness programme at the eThekwini Bluff Clinic open day recently.

Captain Louise le Roux, the station spokesperson, said the objective of the open day was to create awareness of GBV while providing various healthcare services to those in attendance.

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“Brighton Beach SAPS, with operational support from the Brighton Beach Victim-Friendly Room volunteers, empowered those in attendance with an educational programme.

“Audrey Anderson represented the Brighton Beach Victim-Friendly Room through her informative presentation on the services provided by the dedicated community volunteers. The team on the day also provided operational support to those who were in attendance who wanted to engage the team,” she said.

Le Roux said Brighton Beach Police presented their ‘Our Lives Matter’ GBV programme, focusing on the fact that both men and women are victims and perpetrators of GBV.

“I reminded those in attendance that everybody has a place and purpose within their societies. They must speak up and report, not just their abuse, but also the abuse of others. Survivors of any form of GBV were also informed to advocate for the rights and safety of others by engaging in community structures and becoming a beacon of hope for other victims.

“Attendees were also reminded to remain steadfast in their faith and not lose hope when they experience challenges. When we decide to be hopeful, we open ourselves to discover the wisdom and strength we may not have known existed,” she said.

Le Roux said she also played an empowerment song called I’m Alive by Celine Dion. “It had the purpose of reminding victims of any form of GBV that they are survivors and that every day is a blessing, that their lives matter and have purpose,” she said.

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Le Roux added that those in attendance received educational literature which included a domestic-violence information guide, a sexual-assault-awareness information guide, a GBV brochure and a laminated telephone bookmark with the contact details of support organisations.

Le Roux thanked the various stakeholders involved in the programme.

“Through this initiative, the police have achieved their strategic objectives. Furthermore, through partnering with stakeholders, a programme was derived, which was educational and empowering and addressed a social ill in societies called GBV,” she said.

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