State advocate shares her thoughts on violence

Advocate Tracy Keen-Horak, Secunda prosecutor for the past 20 years and specifically dealing with sexual offences for the past 15 years, shared her thoughts with the Ridge Times on Day 15 of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The Ridge Times took hands with Famsa in this campaign to create awareness.

Keen-Horak has been involved and is working as the case manager and state advocate at the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) situated at Evander Hospital since 2016.

This centre caters for victims of gender-based violence specifically, providing pre-trial services, including psycho-social, medical and legal services.

Cases of rape or domestic violence can be reported to TCC directly.

Keen-Horak decided to study law because, as she explained it: she has always had a big mouth and was always fighting for the underdog.

“It is about the people and making a difference,” said Keen-Horak about her job.

She reckons the problem is not only men abusing women, but also the other way around.

“The community is violent because we are raising children in a toxic environment. We are supposed to set the example, but the children see our actions. Broken people hurt others and there is no respect these days.”

Keen-Horak believes that both the victims as well as the perpetrators need help.

Both the TCC and Famsa are there to help families and provide counselling as well as other services.

“We are here to turn victims into survivors. The solution is to teach people to have respect regardless of gender.”

In Keen-Horak’s opinion, violence is not just assault or physical abuse, but also foul language, the way people speak to their children, even in pubic spaces, and even the music to which people listen.

“These are things that our children are subjected to today. It is emotional abuse and a form of domestic violence.”

Keen-Horak thinks part of the problem is because many people these days do not know their identity in Christ.

Her answer to the slogan ‘Prevent it before it Happens’ and how to prevent gender-based violence, is her go-to verse, Luke 6:31: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you.’

“Controlling behaviour is a red flag. If someone isolates you and do not want you to work, have friends or spend time with family and others, get help.

“Visit TCC and get out of that situation.”

Keen-Horak’s message of hope and advice to victims and survivors is to be open for change.

“Change starts with each one of us.

“Decide to help yourself, we cannot help you if you do not want to help yourself.

“Help us to help you, you must make that decision to get help.

“If you do not want to get help for yourself, then at least help me to help your children,” concluded Keen-Horak.