Women tend to return to their abuser – GBV expert

In light of the 16 Days of Activism, the Sinoville crisis centre has highlighted the challenges women face when leaving an abusive relationship and what might lead them to return to the abuser.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign from November 25 to December 10 aims to raise awareness of the negative impact violence and abuse have on women and children.

As a victim empowerment centre, the centre has counsellors on the premises to assist the victims of assault, rape and homelessness to name a few.

The registered community project currently councils 15 women who are in abusive relationships by providing support and setting up a safe exit plan.

Centre CEO Colleen Strauss said that it is very difficult for women to leave abusive relationships and they are more likely to go back to their abuser a few times.

“This is due to the lack of support for women who leave these situations as there aren’t enough safe houses to home them and their children.

“Some women haven’t had jobs in years, making them unemployable, they have been written off by their family members as they may have returned to the abuser after the family tried to assist,” she said.

“There is only a handful of safe houses that women can go to with their children. Some shelters will not accept victims if a case isn’t open and in some instances, the mother needs to be separated from her children over the age of 14.”

The centre provides support to the victims but this is limited by a lack of funding and facilities.

“We can find safe houses for our victims but some would have to settle for homeless shelters. We provide hotel accommodation at our expense while we wait for the victims to be placed,” he said adding that the centre can however not afford to keep them there long.

“We do the best we can to encourage our victims and be that shoulder to cry on while they build the courage to leave the relationship. It may take months or it may take years but we want to assure all victims that we are here to help and stand with them so that they know that they are not alone.”

Abuse is defined as any form of behaviour that causes fear, bodily harm or forces a person to do things against their will, and manifests in different ways.

Women need to understand the different types of abuse to protect themselves.

The Domestic Violence Act gives victims of domestic violence the maximum protection the law can provide, however, Strauss highlighted that there is no criminal complaint for emotional and financial abuse.

While it can be frustrating for family and friends to watch their loved ones go back to abusive environments, Strauss has called on family members to not take anything personally when it comes to the victims.

“Keep reaching out and showing support and always be available to assist them when they call for help.

We would rather be around to support victims than to have them sit in the situation with no one to talk to.”

The centre hopes to eventually build its own safe house for victims of abuse but this can only be possible through big donations from business and community.

The centre can be reached on 012 543 9000 or for emergencies on 064 837 8694.

Other useful contact details:

– SAPS 08600 10111

– Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 0800 428 428 or 0800 GBV GBV

– Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or SMS *120*7867# from any cellphone

– Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (Famsa) 011 975 7107

– Childline 08000 55 555

– National Crisis Line 086 132 2322

– SA National Council for Child Welfare 011 339 5741

ALSO READ: Flying squad arrests drug dealers and recovers hijacked vehicles

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram