‘Report domestic violence’ – CMR
“Our social workers have been extremely busy during this time. I am convinced that the spill-over will still be with us for months to come."
There is no way of knowing how many people have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused by their partners during the national lockdown, a local social worker has said.
“Crime may have dropped in this time,” said director of CMR Gauteng East Henda van der Merwe. “But the real number of domestic violence cases remain unknown.”
Many women felt they would not get help, she said.
“If a partner was abusive, he would most likely have become worse over the past couple of weeks.
“Being confined in the home means a heightened stress level, anxiety, depression and for some even a flare-up of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.”
Van der Merwe pointed out that “men can also be victims” of domestic abuse.
“It works both ways, but in our country it is likely the women that are victims.”
“If you are aware of partner abuse or violence, the right thing to do would be to report it to the police and get help from a reliable community resource such as CMR.”
According to the domestic violence act, police officers must adhere to certain protocols.
Free legal advice can be obtained from The Warrior Project.
She said this problem was closely linked to poverty, mental illness and poor childhood development.
It placed a burden on the healthcare system as abused individuals were twice as likely to need repeat physical and mental help.
“Our reality is that partner abuse forms part of certain cultural and social norms, which either condone or condemn these practices,” she said.
“Human rights and our country’s laws, however, do not allow for this. Individuals are strongly advised to seek help. Social workers are able to help with referrals, places of safety and to assist with a safety plan where a person has to continue living in such circumstances.”
She said abuse affected everyone in a household.
“This also plays into a vicious cycle of abusers who in turn abuse,” Van der Merwe said.
“Our social workers have been extremely busy during this time. I am convinced that the spillover will still be with us for months to come.”
According to Van der Merwe, South Africa is number one with the most domestic violence cases worldwide.
“Our country’s statistics of women of murdered by their partners put us in the first place in the world – double that of the US. A shameful fact indeed.”
Those in need of help can contact their closest CMR, Child Welfare, FAMSA or Department of Social Development Office.
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