New NPO to assist victims of gender-based violence

Last year June, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence (GBV) as a second pandemic following the staggering number of violent crimes committed towards women and children.

He called upon South Africans to unite and stand up against the plight of GBV. In heeding the call, three Boksburg residents have recently established an NPO called GBV Sanctuaries AD, which aims to protect victims of GBV by placing them at a designated shelter where they’ll be safe.

The chairperson of the organisation, Frans Gräbe, said issues of GBV are close to their hearts as they condemn the scourge of violence directed at women and children.

“A lot of women and children suffer abuse at the hands of their lovers but because they don’t have other places to go they tend to endure abusive relationships. We intend to build a safe haven where victims can break free from abusive environments.”

Gräbe said the sanctuary will provide safe accommodation where victims will receive adequate healthcare services and legal advice to bring the perpetrators to book.

The home will also provide counselling and skills development so the women can be employable.

“We can’t wait for the project to gain momentum so that it will serve the community and provide peace and security to vulnerable women and children.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of the organisation, Ronald Harris (88), said perpetrators have no place in the world due to their actions.

“Women are meant to be loved and cared for. Hearing horrendous reports of crimes committed against women and children saddens my heart; hence, we’ve decided to reach out to victims.”

Harris, who is originally from Scotland, said his humanitarian work grew while working for the council a few decades ago as a project manager for various housing projects in Vosloorus.

“I always want to see the good in people and always want to see them happy,” said Harris.

Land
Gräbe said they are planning to build the sanctuary in Ekurhuleni; however, they are in need of funds to procure land.

He added they have so far approached authorities from the metro to find how the government can assist.

In their efforts to raise funds, the organisation has organised a golf day on October 12, which will take place at the ERPM Golf Club.

Gräbe said initially the golf day was supposed to take place on August 17, but due to the Covid-19 restrictions, they had to postpone it to a later date.

“We hope to have more people and companies coming on board to assist us with this initiative,” said Gräbe.

Expressing gratitude, Gräbe said since they started they’ve received enormous support from a local company called Red Hot Bit Consultants, who has assisted them with branding supplies and internet connections at their office.

Anyone interested in contributing to the sustainability of GBV Sanctuaries AD and its activities or to find out more about the golf day may phone Gräbe on 068 595 7904 or 011 8250 098.

You can also visit their website at www.gbvsanctuariesad.org.za or email [email protected]

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