Youth event breaks GBV silence in Alexandra
Young people in Alexandra unite against the scourge of GBV in the community, at an event aimed at breaking the GBV silence and building resilience among victims.
The recent crime statistics revealed that Alexandra was rapidly gaining reputation as one of the communities with the highest number of reported cases of sexual offence and rape.
However, numerous community-led initiatives are determined to change this reality.
Building Reconciliation Together, in partnership with Lesedi Youth Batho Foundation, held a gender-based violence awareness event at the 3 Square Sports Centre in Alexandra on June 27. The event, held under the theme, Breaking the silence, building resilience, conscientised young people about the grave impact of GBV on the victims and the community, and it also highlighted the significance of breaking the silence.
Read more: Alexandra youth gather to tackle GBV’s hold on the community
The event coordinator, Ethan Madula noted that such an event, especially in a community plagued with high cases of violence, would play a critical role in addressing the persistent issue of GBV in the community. “It will help the children who are seeking help on GBV-related matters. We are also reaching out to men to come to the Alexandra Police Station to report cases of GBV. We’re urging them not to be scared.” Madula emphasised that the event served to give a platform to survivors of GBV to break the silence and build resilience, irrespective of their gender.
Although GBV disproportionately affects women, men are not entirely spared. This emerged during GBV coordinator Sergeant Mariah Maluleke’s engagement with the attendees. Young people shared that some men are also abused in relationships, and men do not report these cases because of the fear of becoming a laughing stock. In Alexandra, some women are also reluctant to report GBV cases, which was previously revealed by the chairperson of the Community Policing Forum, Sarah Matomeamohale ahead of their major GBV campaign on May 23.
Mrs South Africa semi-finalist Thandiwe Melato explained that GBV cases were often shrouded in a cloud of secrecy, further urging attendees to speak up. She shared a personal story about her close friend who lost her life because of GBV. “When she was at her mother’s, the husband came under the pretence that he was fetching something, and when he arrived, he took out his service pistol and shot her three times in front of her sister,” she recounted.
Melato emphasised when it came to rape, even children were not spared. “There are a lot of rape cases against children… They need to teach children what violence means, and what assault means.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
