Upper-class North Coast women suffer domestic abuse in silence
Daniel said abused women in areas such as Ballito, Salt Rock and gated estates call his organisation regularly for help, yet refuse to open cases.
The number of unreported domestic abuse cases among the upper-class on the North Coast is alarming.
Gender-based violence is not only a lower-class problem, said Rise Up Movement founder Josha Daniel.
Daniel said abused women in areas such as Ballito, Salt Rock and gated estates call his organisation regularly for help, yet refuse to open cases.
“The main reasons appear to be that they want to protect their status in the community, or fear exposing perpetrators who are either prominent persons or are well connected,” said Daniel.
Since November 25 he had received at least five calls with the victims all unwilling to open cases.
“These women are suffering serious verbal and physical abuse but they are very scared and we cannot force them to report it,” said Daniel.
Social worker at the Umhlali police station, Hlengiwe Khwela said she was aware of the problem, having had a similar case in October.
“As much as residents from townships and rural areas report GBV cases, we face the challenge of many case withdrawals. Usually, you find the perpetrator had offered payment to the victim, the couple had reconciled or once the perpetrator is out on bail, the victim then becomes scared and withdraws the case.
“We still have a long way to go in raising awareness and educating people about their rights,” said Khwela.
A police source said they had had a case where a Salt Rock woman stole tablets for her anxiety every time she was in the pharmacy.
“When caught she revealed it helped her cope with the stress of being beaten by her husband almost every day,” he said.
If you need help, you can call Rise up movement at 068 024 7568 or email help@riseupmovement.org.za. You can also call Umhlali Saps at 032 947 9900.
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