Domestic violence increases in informal settlement
The drastic increase in domestic violence in Siyahlahla-la Informal Settlement induced the Newcastle Hospital to reach out to the community in an awareness programme held at Fairleigh Hall on Friday, October 26.
According to Bheki Zondi, the social work manager at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital, the majority of domestic violence incidents requiring medical treatment came from the informal settlement.
“We are not sure what the causes are, but we are looking at setting up some form of structure and teaching people about domestic violence, how it affects society and how people can find help and a way out.”
Working closely alongside the SAPS, Department of Social Development, Department of Education, SANCA and Newcastle Crisis Centre, Mr Zondi believed that through educating people, domestic violence could be addressed.
“Not everyone knows the legal aspects linked to domestic violence and through strengthening partnerships with relevant organisations and the community, we can make a difference,” said Mr Zondi.
Nokwanda Zondo, an intern at the hospital from UKZN Howard College who assisted on the day, hoped that families would learn something through the programme.
“We would like to eliminate domestic violence and address the matters which contribute to it,” said Mrs Zondo.
During the programme, attendees were educated on what constituted domestic violence and which steps should be followed.
