Rise up against gender based violence

Mulbarton resident, Emma Sharlie who has suffered from GBV says she has little to celebrate this Women’s Month.

Emma says women’s struggle for justice extends beyond reporting crimes to the police. Her concerns are that the matters, even when reported, never make it to court.

Emma reiterated her awful experience to Comaro Chronicle when she reported her abuser to the police but her case was struck off the roll.

“I had to endure postponed court appearances for over a year. My abuser walked free, assaulted three other women and now my docket disappeared. But I am speaking up and this is not how my story will end,” Emma explained.

After Emma’s demands for her case to be put back on the court roll fell on deaf ears, she reached out to Action Society. They then made about 15 calls and physical visits to the police station.

Director of Community Safety at Action SA, Ian Cameron said they learnt that Emma’s docket was missing and her last statements were not digitally captured.

During Women’s Month, Emma has initiated a series of events designed to encourage conversations and actions around creating awareness of GBV in the Joburg South area.

“Even though women are overwhelmingly the victims of GBV, it’s important for us to acknowledge that men can be victims too, as well as members of the LGBTQI+ community,” Emma said.

“We need to encourage dialogue and engagement so that people can begin to understand the root causes of domestic and other interpersonal violence, to prevent it from happening in the future.”

Emma has started hosting talks in her home for teenage girls and young moms. Here women who attend are encouraged to talk openly about GBV and to hear stories of courage from those who had survived it.

Contact her on 083 59 17304 for more information.