Abuse victims encouraged to break the silence
The awareness campaign urged victims to know their rights, such as the right on privacy and to be protected by the police.
Focus Mamelodi Community Organisation encouraged Mamelodi residents to never be afraid to speak out about abuse.
The non-profit organisation was founded in 2016 with a vision of building a society where every person has the emotional support and resources they need to flourish.
The NPO’s mission is to teach society how to pray, nurture growth and support young people’s mental health through early intervention programmes.
Chairperson Joyce Velaphi Mojapelo addressed the crowd during an anti-abuse awareness campaign held at Ikageng Community Hall on Friday attended by local stakeholders including the CPF and the police.
Mojapelo said the campaign was aimed at breaking the silence around the abuse of women and children.
She said the event started with a march from the University of Pretoria Mamelodi campus to the community hall where participants were holding placards with different messages of abuse.
The aim was confronting abuse in our different communities, encouraging victims to speak up and break the silence around abuse, according to Mojapelo.
“The neighbours need to break the silence too because many victims remain silent out of fear.”
She said the event addressed child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse, creating a safe space for education, healing, and empowerment.
The Mamelodi East police manager of Sector 1, Constable Rembuluwani Kutama, urged the public and victims to know their rights, particularly the right to privacy and the option to request assistance from different officers if they feel unsafe.
“Police are here to serve and protect the public.
“When you come to the police station to report a case, you need to feel protected at all times.”
“If you are not treated with respect, you have the right to speak up.”
Guest speaker and rape victim Fuma Koti shared her story.
Koti said she was raped and then silenced by family members, who discussed the matter with neighbours rather than involving the police.
Her testimony exposed failures within the justice system. After reporting her case to the police station, she remembered how police officers humiliated her by openly discussing the matter in public.
One of the founders of the NPO, Thandi Promise Mashaba, said the event also included educational sessions on identifying abuse and seeking help.
Free counselling was provided to those who needed help.
Mashaba said they talked about therapeutic guidance, emphasising the importance of professional therapy. They also held a prayer session, where attendees came forward for support and reflection.
She said the campaign was a resounding success.
“Not only did we equip individuals with practical tools to navigate trauma and conflict, but we also fostered a sense of community and hope,” Mashaba concluded.
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