Amanzimtoti unites against gender-based violence, commemorates World AIDS Day
The Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit and Amanzimtoti Clinic, along with various stakeholders, united in an effort to raise awareness about gender-based violence and Aids.
THE Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit (ATU) and Amanzimtoti Clinic organised an event on December 1 in commemoration of 16 Days of Activism, which coincided with World AIDS Day.
Chanee Swales, the new centre manager at ATU, also known as Turning Point – ‘Qhakaza’, said the initiative, under the theme, ‘Men Stand Up’, was to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and actively involve men in the fight against abuse.
ALSO READ: Taking ARVs daily can help HIV patients live a long and healthy life
“There are many good men out there who can, and want to, stand up and fight for women instead of leaving them to fight for themselves. There is also a link between GBV and Aids; rape, abuse and cheating can also cause the spread of it. The day, which involved various other stakeholders, was all about raising awareness,” she said.
The programme of events included services offered by the clinic; poetry; a keynote address about the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children as well as World AIDS Day; a drama by Siyathokoza Primary School; a debate; a testimony by the Department of Correctional Services; entertainment and a candlelight vigil.
Some of the other stakeholders involved on the day included the eThekwini Municipality, SAPS, the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, ET Rapid Response, CCPO, Mother of Peace-Illovo, Wanderers Haven, Usizo-lomndeni.org, Uthingo Crisis Centre, Same Love Toti, SANCA Durban alcohol and drug centres, Aids Foundation of South Africa and the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW).
Swales added that the centre plays a pivotal role by housing victims of GBV and providing on-site social workers and counsellors. “We also work closely with the clinic to ensure medical care is available to those in need,” she said.
A significant addition to the team is the new social worker, Thandeka Nxumalo, whose role as the community liaison person involves organising awareness programmes and facilitating communication between the community and their centre.
“Our centre is more than just a safe house for women and children; it’s a place where we develop them so they feel empowered when they leave,” she said.
For more information, or to seek help, contact the Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit on 082 456 8743 or at info.totitraumacentre@gmail.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
