Kerr House helps to empower women for seven decades
She said gender-based violence was no respector of race, education or creed. It can affect anyone. She said women don't have to be victims of gender-based violence.
THIS year marks a milestone achievement for Kerr House, Durban Hospice for Women as they celebrate their 70th anniversary. Kerr House is a women’s refuge which provides shelter to women in crisis. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, plans for their celebrations were marred.
Gail Schreiner, social worker manager for Kerr House, said 2021 was significant for them as they celebrate their 70th birthday. However, with the outbreak of Covid-19 they had to put their celebration plans on hold.
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Speaking about the organisation, Schreiner said, Kerr House focuses on gender-based violence and is a shelter that accommodates up to 15 women at any given time and helps them reconstruct their lives.
“While they are with us, we make sure they are safe, we provide food, shelter and psycho-social services. We have two social workers who work with them helping them reconstruct their lives so that they can go from here a different person. We also work with partners and families. We want to make sure that those we help, aren’t going back to the same environment,” said Schreiner.
She said gender-based violence was no respector of race, education or creed. It can affect anyone. She said women don’t have to be victims of gender-based violence.
“You don’t have to be abused, you can be empowered, you can stand up and say enough is enough. You can make a change for yourself, children and family. You can have a better life and we are here to join hands with you in helping you through that process,” she said.
Schreiner said very often women feel trapped and they feel like they have no way out.
“Yes, you might feel trapped but you don’t need to be, we can assist you with practical steps on how you could be in an abuse-free environment. Often what we see is a woman might have a good job or something to fall back on. We can assist you in building blocks so you can be empowered to make good choices while moving forward,” she said.
To get involved in their organisation, you can join their 1 in a 1000 campaign where people donate R100 a month to make a difference in the lives of women who need support.
“I love helping and empowering women. I enjoy the interaction and the counselling, but mostly I enjoy watching them change their lives from being broken, when they first arrive, to being happy with the decisions they make for themselves. That’s what makes me come back to work, day after day,” she said.
Contact Kerr House by email, [email protected] or call them on 031 303 2912.
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