Domestic Watch addresses abuse
BLAIRGOWRIE – Domestic workers are advised to report all kinds of abuse.
Penny Steyn from Making A Difference (MAD) encouraged domestic workers and gardeners to report incidents of abuse.
She addressed domestic workers on 19 August at the Christ Church in Blairgowrie about all kinds of abuse and how to report them.
“Make sure you know and can distinguish between right and wrong,” she said.
She explained, “We may think that we may not be abused but there are people around us who are not fine and it is our responsibility to direct them to right people who can help.”
She advised that there is a social crime prevention officer at all police stations along with the right people who can assist.
Steyn’s assistant, Julies Mthembu, added that workers should prioritise their lives and ensure that they were happy. “You could be abused at work. If you are not happy, walk away, you will find another job and a better one,” she said.
An invited guest from Life Line Ikhaya le Themba, Sharol Dhlamini, said that their organisation which is based in Braamfontein assists all victims of abuse either at the workplace or at home, provided they bring the proof of protection order and case number.
This organisation has been assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 2010 in the Ikhaya le Themba Shelter.
“If you are being abused at home, we can provide a shelter for you and your children until your problems are solved,” she said.
She explained that when victims report these incidents at the family courts, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) would also provide support during court proceedings.
“Most people are not aware that NPA can also compensate victims the money that they have spent on legal proceedings,” she added.
She concluded that domestic workers should be open about abuse and share their stories with people they trust as this could help change their situations.
Details: Life Line Ikhaya le Themba, 011 242 3000; Making A Difference, 011 783 8776.
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