Gender Based Violence tackled for Germiston survivors
During the programme women were empowered to physically defend themselves.
Access4All-SA, an NPO, hosted a GBV awareness campaign in Makause informal settlement at the Grace Bible Church on June 25.
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The event was aimed at tackling issues leading to GBV and equipping women with tools to defend themselves against perpetrators in hostile situations.
Gina Bishop, the organisation’s founder, said the event aimed to offer solutions to most communities crippled by GBV.
“We looked at how GBV affects people mentally, physically and spiritually,” said Bishop.
“Our theme was ‘I chose me’, meaning I chose me to defend myself. The self-defence classes backed up the theme,” she said.
“Speakers offered spiritual motivations, self-defence classes and fitness exercises,” said Bishop.
“I hope the number of GBV incidents will decline as we continue to reach more people throughout Primrose,” she said.
Darren Langbein from Siyakunakekela, said they are an NPC aiming to help citizens in three categories.
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“We specialise in pit toilet sanitisation, female hygiene needs and GBV education and self-defence,” said Langbein.
“We seek to provide or supply health and safety solutions for sanitation at schools and communities who are still having to use pit toilets and/or bucket systems for ablutions.
“We also provide alternative food sources to schools and communities who live below the bread line.
“We also distribute female hygiene products to clinics and schools in the rural areas of South Africa,” said Langbein.
Sgt Styles Maome, Primrose SAPS cooperate communication, educated the audience about domestic violence and GBV.
He urged residents to make use of the services offered at the police station.
“We urge victims of any abuse to report the perpetrator to the authorities and open a case against them for prosecution and, where possible, conviction,” said Maome.
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“In a case where a resident is traumatised by the incident or perpetrator we have social workers who offer counselling at the police station before a case is opened,” said Maome.
