The woman walks past you, and as you quickly glance up to greet her with a slight nod and a smile, she quickly looks away … but you noticed her bruised face. And, before you can ask if everything is okay, she hurries along with a mumbled excuse about ‘being clumsy’.
What about the woman in your office who always flinches when you approach too fast, or the one who wears long-sleeved tops and scarves to cover up the bruises you have seen on some occasions? Maybe there are women who can never look you in the eye when they talk to you, because they are so sure they are not good enough, or the ones who have suddenly developed a slight limp or difficulty breathing, because of the injuries they endured …How many times have we told ourselves that we should not ask questions, or pry about this, and, heaven forbid that we actually talk about what is going on, because, in our society, women abuse is seen as not ‘my problem’.
And, for the abused, it is worse, as they are not only stigmatised, but live in fear of being subjected to harsh judgement when they do stand up and speak out.
Today, I want to tell you that this is something that needs to be stopped. We need to encourage those who are affected to speak out to not only break the silence, but also the cycle of abuse. How do we that? It is simple, by offering the victims a safe and caring environment, without judgement, where they can find comfort, and ultimately, healing.
We need to start thinking differently about these incidents that are happening more and more each day, and change our attitude to one of action. We need to say something when we see something, and help break the silence, to encourage those who live in fear, to find the strength and courage to do the same. That is the only way these transgressors will be brought to book, and their power over their victims will be broken.
The Record/ Northsider believes there is no better opportunity than in August, which is also Women’s Month, to help join its sister publications, the News and Herald, to create awareness about the issue, by hosting an informative and educational workshop.
Everybody is welcome to attend the workshop – whether you are a victim, whether you know of a victim and wish to help the person, or whether you wish to find out what to do, should you ever find yourself in that situation. We cannot do it alone either.
In order for us to do this, we are calling on any organisation, individual, local government department, business, mall, shopping centre, police unit, lawyer, magistrate, doctor, abuse/ violence survivor, social worker, shelter and anyone who wants to help us put together a workshop under the #CaxtonCares banner to show victims that #Roodepoort cares about them, to come on board.
Interested parties can send an email to roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za/ northside@caxton.co.za.
