THE 16 Days of Activism campaign is in full swing as the Durban North and uMhlanga Crisis Team rally to raise awareness in the community.

Approximately 20 members selflessly sacrificed their Saturday to hand out pamphlets and information at several shopping centres in the area, including La Lucia Mall, Sunningdale Shopping Centre, Hyper by the Sea, Virginia Shopping Centre and Kensington Square.Carol van Tonder, the chairman of the Durban North and uMhlanga Crisis Team and SAPS member, said that verbal abuse is often an overlooked form of abuse.

“People don’t see it as abuse, the sad fact is that it is actually far more damaging than physical abuse. It involves a slow breakdown of a person’s emotional well being, self respect and self confidence,” she said.

According to Van Toner domestic violence is relatively prevalent in the Durban North area, but many cases remain unreported or the victims fail to open cases.

“This is primarily due to financial dependence of their abusive partners,” she said.

Another major battle that faces the team involves women who shoplift with their babies. “There has been a spike in recent months, which has become a big issue. We prefer not to leave the children in the cells. Therefore we try to find alternative accommodation for them,” explained Van Tonder.