‘There is life and hope after abuse’ Winterveldt youths hear
People Against Abuse, an organisation based inside Loate police station in Winterveldt hosted a youth day celebration to give hope to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
A youth motivational seminar, aimed at reaching out to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, was held in Winterveldt on Saturday as part of youth month celebrations.
It was hosted by People Against Abuse (PAA), a victim empowerment organisation based at the premises of the Loate police station.
Event co-organiser and PAA communications officer, Nqobile Mahlangu, said the organisation, which is located in Winterveldt, an area where there are many people from different backgrounds, encountered many cases of abuse.
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Mahlangu said the purpose of the event was to bring back hope to those who had lost hope and open the eyes of those who are in abusive relationships but felt they could not leave.
“PAA deals with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. We want to say to them that even if they have experienced abuse, even if they have been through a lot, there is still life and there is still God who will take you through everything,” said Mahlangu.
“Youth face many challenges. Unemployment is one of them. Through this programme, we hope to revive that spirit in you, to say you can still make it in life. Life is not a competition, it is a journey,” added Mahlangu.
According to organisation chairperson Thuleleni Mzamane, the establishment of PAA in 1998 was inspired by a young girl who had been raped and had nowhere to go.
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“She did not get any assistance from anybody. An organisation was put together, first called Tumelo Mission and now called PAA. Action needed to be taken to assist children and women who are raped,” said Mzamane.
“PAA gives immediate assistance to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, whether the victim is a man or woman. The beauty of this organisation is that they work within the police station. Abuse victims need both social workers and the police, who are the law and order of our communities,” she said.
Mzamane said the 24-hour crisis centre empowered clients and community residents with valuable information, referring them to community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations.
“We facilitate awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking because people must know when they are being trafficked and abused. They should know what to do when their spouses abuse them and where to go.
“We assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and help them to open cases against their perpetrators. The staff at PAA do door-to-door campaigns, support groups, awareness campaigns and counselling,” added Mzamane.
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Rape survivor, pastor and businesswoman, Nhlanhla Mokoena, from Slovo in Winterveldt, recounted her ordeal of when she was raped.
“I was raped in 1983, at the age of 12 at a school in Makhatho. Today I am who I am because of my struggles. It is important to dust yourself off after any tragic situation tries to pull you down. I remember after the incident, I lost my mind and I was admitted at the George Mukhari hospital,” said Mokoena.
She said it was important for parents to support their children after abuse.
“My parents were never supportive. I only completed school until grade 7 because of the psychological issues resulting from the rape. My parents thought I did not want to study and would punish me.”
Currently, Mokoena is a businesswoman, focusing on interior design and sewing curtains.
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Applied psychologist, life coach and rape survivor, Yulander Kabini, said: “Even if you have experienced a lot, you can make it. Yes, I was raped at a very young age, but I stood up and realised that my experience could not define my future. Wake up, get dressed and do something with your life.”
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