Say ‘no’ to abuse

Friday’s weather did not stop children, youth and the older people from attending, along with members of the community police forum and non-profit organisations.

The community united to fight against women and child abuse through song, messages and drama. Fikile Mtshweni from the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) advised women to speak about abuse.

“Being abused is not a victim’s fault, report it to get help,” she said. Adding that abuse may result in psychological and physical changes which could lead to strokes.

She discouraged women who report abuse to their families and who persuade them not to report it to the police, saying that it is a family matter and will be solved by the elders of the family.

Mtshweni said some of the challenges that HIV-positive women are faced with is the shortage of the ARV drugs from the clinics.

“Some women lost their jobs because they had to go to the clinic for two consecutive days with the hope of getting their treatment,” said Mtshweni.

Kwatsaduza’s People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) chairman, Shashi Skosana, said most old women in and around Kwatsaduza are the victims of abuse by young people.

Skhosana said despite them trying to help the victims of abuse, in most cases the abused refuse their help by refusing to open a case against those who abuse them and blame themselves for the abuse.

“It does not matter what you were wearing during the time of sexual abuse, it is still not your fault,” she said.

She also encouraged women to speak out and to educate their children about abuse.

Shashi believes that a person learns faster at an early age and parents must use that period to educate them about issues affecting them and the country.

“We need to stand together to fight women and child abuse,” says Tsakane social crime prevention coordinator, Lebo Ramayisa.

He assured the community that the police station’s victim empowerment centre is open 24 hours a day to assist victims.