It is that time of the year where the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children abuse campaign has started again. This takes place annually from November 25 to December 10 where the campaign continues to raise awareness amongst South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children.
This time around Foundation for Victims of Crime, Solidarity Helping Hand, Thuthuzela and the social crime prevention unit joined forces for the movement. They were at Highveld Mall on Wednesday, November 23 handing over pamphlets educating the citizens of eMalahleni about the campaign and what it stands for.
Foundation for Victims of Crime, Solidarity Helping Hand, Thuthuzela and the social crime prevention unit are the different structures that were at the launch of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children abuse campaign. This was held on Wednesday, November 23 at Highveld Mall.
One of the victims whose aim is to become a motivational speaker urges women to walk out of abusive relationships no matter how hard it might be. The woman who prefers to remain anonymous explains that she is a victim of abuse from both her father who raped her every night when she was a child and her ex husband who used to abuse her physically.
At the ago of 12 she became pregnant due to her father who raped her every night.
When everything got too much for her, she decided to run away. She got tired from hopping from one place to another and decided to go back home.
Her mother gave her an ultimatum stating that she must either get a job in three weeks or she will marry her off. She had to marry after failing to find work. Her ex-husband abused her. He was also an alcoholic and at times would lock her in the bathroom without food for the whole day.
One day her ex-husband beat her up so badly she ended up in hospital being in a coma for three months. With her not being around and having no one to take care of her children, they were taken into foster care.
Foundation for Victims of Crime, Solidarity Helping Hand, Thuthuzela and the social crime prevention unit are the different structures that were at the launch of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children abuse campaign. This was held on Wednesday, November 23 at Highveld Mall.
When she was discharged from hospital, she got a divorce and she fixed her life through a psychiatrist who restored her confidence and assisted her to deal with her past. Her message to every woman is clear.
“When he starts pushing you, isolating you, raising his hand on you or any other violent behaviour these are signs that he is an abusive person.”
She urges women to run as fast they can should they spot such actions in their spouses.
“With such a painful past of suffering abuse and losing my children, I am thankful to be happily married and life has given me a new chance to be happy again. I am lucky to have made it through everything alive as others are not as lucky.”
She might have scars but she embraces them as they are a part of her life’s journey. She knows she is highly favoured and blessed.
Sgt Janine Opperman from Witbank Police Station extended words of encouragement to all victims stating that God will uplift and strengthen you in any circumstance. Trust in Him.
To join the movement send a messages on social media, use the hashtag #CountMeIn which is a motivation for people to move a non-violent South Africa forward.
Have you witnessed or are a victim of crime, contact the Foundation for Victims of Crime on their Mpumalanga office numbers 079 755 3406.
You can also call 013 655 5030 to report domestic violence and 013 655 5076/5241 for the family child protection unit.
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