Support centre gives hope to victims of abuse

“At any given moment, you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” – Christine Mason Miller.

Women who have suffered at the hands of abuse followed suit by turning to the Theodora Ndaba Victim Support Centre for assistance, but the shelter needs assistance to assist.

The centre manager, Nicodemus Molefe, said they receive funding from the Department of Social Development, which is minimal.

“Each woman gets about R45 per day for three meals, medication, cosmetics and transport, among other things.

This amount does not cover children who come with their mothers. Some of the women give birth at the shelter and we have to meet all of their immediate needs,” said Molefe.

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“We, therefore, urge any businesses or individuals to lend a helping hand for us to continue making a difference in the community. We have also introduced a skills development programme for our beneficiaries to be self-reliant. We would appreciate them to lead the project’s success and enhancement of the expected impact to our communities.”

The Daveyton centre, founded in 2001, supports and accommodates victims of gender-based violence. These women and their children are assisted in reporting the perpetrators, claiming for child maintenance, applying for grants or identity documents.

The centre can only accommodate 31 women and children for three, six or 12 months, depending on their coping strategies and about 260 a year, excluding those who come daily for counselling or support groups.

Molefe said they empower these women economically so that when they are discharged, they can start life afresh to break the poverty barrier and cut the dependency syndrome.

“We encourage them to take part in skills training or craft activities as a form of therapy that will help them forget their troubles and share skills. We have computer classes, beadwork, flower arranging, sewing and shoe-making,” he said.

“While caring for and assisting the women, we reinforce family values through intervention programmes that will include both the victim and the perpetrator.

“We work closely with the SAPS, courts, schools, hospitals and other shelters around Gauteng and some victims are sent to us to hide from the perpetrators.”

The centre has one social worker, one auxiliary social worker, nine board members, three house mothers and six staff members.

To donate to the centre, contact Molefe on 011 424 0396 or 079 219 2707 or at victimsupport@webmail.co.za

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