Silent protest at Benoni court calls for GBVF to be declared a disaster
The group chose the court as their protest site to highlight the journey many victims begin when seeking justice.
A group of women, activists and members of the LGBTQI+ community staged a silent protest at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on November 21, lying down in the courtyard for 15 minutes at exactly midday in honour of women murdered daily in South Africa.
The demonstration formed part of the nationwide Women For Change movement, which called for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to be declared a national disaster.
Participants were urged to refrain from all paid and unpaid work and to spend no money for the entire day to highlight the economic impact of the violence carried out by women and queer communities.
Among those who joined the protest was Claudia Archary, a rape survivor who was sexually assaulted at the age of 18 by her best friend’s boyfriend.
Fighting back tears, Archary said she stood in solidarity with women, mothers, children, sisters and even men who have endured sexual violence or lost their lives to it.
“It’s an emotional day because the government has failed us in so many ways. Women are dying every day, and something needs to be done. Enough is enough,” she said.
Archary shared that although 34 years have passed since her assault, the trauma remains vivid.
“That moment changed my life. Today, I have two sons, and I always remind them how important it is to respect women and to understand that ‘no’ means ‘no’. To all the families who have lost someone to GBV, I am truly sorry. It was never their fault,” she said.
The group chose the court as their protest site to highlight the journey many victims begin when seeking justice.
“This is where it starts for victims, yet the justice system often does not stand up for us. We are here to show women attending court for domestic cases today that they are not alone,” Archary added.
@benonicitytimes Women are speaking out, calling for men to protect them and stop harming them. #G20womensshutdown #gbv #gbvprotest #awareness #benoni
For Rosanne Steyn, the fight against GBV goes beyond physical violence.
“GBV is also emotional, psychological and financial abuse,” she said.
Steyn has been returning to court for 33 months seeking maintenance and, previously, for a protection order.
“We come to court for help and refuge, but we are not getting the support we need,” she said.
Another woman, Candice Hitchcox (32), who was scheduled for a maintenance appearance today, said she has been attending court for four months following a physical assault she suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend in April.
@benonicitytimes Activists and members of the community are outside the Benoni Magistrates Court, calling for gender-based violence to be declared a national disaster. Read the full story: www.benonicitytimes.co.za
Domestic violence survivor Tumelo Muteme expressed frustration with how authorities handle protection orders.
“When a protection order is issued, the police must act. Arrest the perpetrator. Do not call them to ‘resolve’ the situation. That is how many women end up losing their lives,” she said.
Also Read: Greater Benoni Child Welfare hosts empowering event for GBV victims
Also Read: WATCH: G20 Women’s Shutdown taking place now in Benoni
