As part of the nationwide campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children kicking off today (November 25), the Ridge Times and Famsa will speak to various people in different roles to create awareness.

This campaign will continue until December 10. Gerda Raath, Departmental Head of the Senior Phase and natural science teacher at Highveld Ridge Primary School, thinks the community, and the world for that matter, is too violent in general.

“Not that any form or level of violence is ever acceptable, but the amount of things reported on in just our small community is shocking, and that is just a drop in the bucket of what is really going on out there every second of the day,” said Raath.

Even though Raath does not personally have first-hand experience of violence, in her line of work, she is often in contact with different forms of violence – also in her extended family and friends circles.

Her advice to prevent gender-based violence is that victims must have the knowledge of what is acceptable and what is not and also the freedom to speak up immediately.

“Their voices must be heard and action as well as proper consequences must be in place. The turnaround time for support must improve.

“The stigma of culturally acceptable ‘punishments’ must be conquered. I can go on for days about this. There are so many factors that play a role here.”

Raath said that one situation or level is not more important than the next one. She believes a big part of the problem lies with spiritual values.

“No religion supports any form of violence. We must turn back to God.”

She thinks other causes of violence can be attributed to over population and more specifically, unwanted children.

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“In general, the norms and standards we instilled in our children, first and foremost, must be taught by loving parents with focus on respect.

“Violence on screen, and lack of control over what you watch, play, see or hear is also a big problem. Fear needs to be broken. Designated manpower and discipline are important, but how do we deliver it? Do you want it done to you?”

Raath’s advice are to instill a good self-esteem in your children, because people with a low self-esteem feels weak and then feel the need to hurt others or control them with fear. She urged victims to speak up and remember that they are not alone.

“It is never okay for somebody else to hurt you. Do not let them make you believe that you are less or that you are the reason why they are hurting you.

“It is better to walk away and begin your life over in a place of safety and love, than to lose yourself. It was never God’s plan for anybody to be abused, honour Him and honour yourself by walking away.”

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