The Greater Benoni Child Welfare hosted a 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children awareness campaign at the Victor Ndlazilwana Community Hall in Daveyton on November 26.

EMPD members, the Department of Social Development (DSD), Sekusile Ekhaya Labantwana, and other community stakeholders were present.

The event focused on raising GBV awareness and motivating residents to actively oppose all forms of abuse.
DSD social worker Dieketseng Ramasedi explained to attendees that when most people think of GBV, they think of sexual or physical abuse because these are visible forms.

However, there are other forms of abuse that are often overlooked, including emotional, psychological, verbal, economic and spiritual abuse.

Ramasedi highlighted signs that someone might be experiencing abuse, such as:
• being embarrassed or mocked by a partner in front of friends or family;
• being sarcastically belittled or made to question oneself, hearing statements like “You’re nothing without me” or “You don’t use your brain”;
• experiencing rough treatment or being sexually pressured;
• being blamed for the abuser’s actions;
• prevented from seeing friends and family;
• restrictions on personal freedom, hobbies, or social interactions.

She encouraged the attendees to reflect on their behaviour, communicate thoughtfully with those around them, and teach children by example.

GBV survivor Priscilla Dlamini from Springs shared her story about the abuse she endured at the hands of her former husband. She married at 16, and after two years, her husband began to develop a hatred and would beat her for no reason.

She said that in 2002, she tried to commit suicide before finally leaving the relationship. She advised women to leave abusive relationships and not stay just because they have children with the perpetrator.

Also addressing the gathering was Simphiwe Libisi, a former inmate at the Modderbee Correctional Services, who served eight years.

He admitted that he was violent towards women in the past, and attributed some of that behaviour to his upbringing and losing his identity. He said he had since discovered who he truly is and what he wants in life.

He urged mothers to hold their sons accountable for abusive actions rather than making excuses on their behalf.

“Instead of asking for forgiveness for them and blaming alcohol, parents must confront their children before they cause harm or worse,” he said.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is a global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10. It aims to raise awareness about GBV, promote human rights, and encourage governments, organisations and communities to take action to prevent abuse and support survivors.

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