Organisations working together to break the silence against GBV

“WENTWORTH we need to be united.” This was the message that echoed throughout Austerville on Thursday, 27 August when various NGOs and police members joined forces in the fight against the relentless monster that is gender based violence (GBV).

With the aim to end Women’s month on a high note as well as address the alarmingly high reports of violence and abuse countrywide, Helping Hands, BAFDT Community Support Group, Ward 68 Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS), Wentworth Organisation of Women (WOW), Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre, Thabitha Community Care Services and Wentworth police held an awareness campaign at K1 Park, Austerville.

Speakers from each organisation shared words of wisdom, hope and encouragement to a community that is riddled by violence and host of social ills everyday.

WOW founder, Patricia Dove stood by her stance to fight for women’s rights and the odds stacked against their families. OSS secretary Neil Axford expressed his support for women and encouraged for men to play better and supportive roles in society.

“It is heartbreaking that we celebrate Women’s Day yet we do not see a difference in the lives of women in our community. It has just become a year in and year out formality. But today we need to take a stand to make a difference and it going to take each and every one of us to put our hands together and be supportive of one another. We will never succeed as a community if there is no unity. We are a strong community that simply needs to come together. As adults let us also teach our children better. We need to uplift and encourage our youth and one another,” said Audrey Anderson, founder of BAFDT Community Support Group.

Members from the Wentworth SAPS Victim Friendly Centre also reminded the community in attendance about the services available to women in need, especially those who find themselves in vulnerable situations.

“Abused and homeless women can come to us for assistance. We also welcome those with children. Because we only have a space for six people, we do assist in referring women to other shelters within our network. We also assist with trauma counselling for cases brought to our offices. At the moment we are working with a network of organisations in KZN to address issues and the violence against women and children. We are doing talks in the community on GBV. We are looking to form a local group of women to do talks and awareness on GBV, from prevention, warning signs and how to report it as well as how apply for a protection order. We’re here and we want to help,” said Jenny Gomes and Wendy Augustine of the Wentworth SAPS Victim Friendly Centre.

Wentworth police spokesperson, Captain Mbuso Gumede reminded the community on their rights under the Domestic Violence Act and emphasised the importance of reporting GBV as well as all types of crimes at the station. “We have seen many reports of women being abused and killed by their partners. Let us try and exhaust all avenues to curb this crime. Break the silence by reporting these cases to avoid becoming a victim and another statistic. As SAPS we are committed to assist each and every person regardless of their age, race or gender,” he said.

Motivational speaker and GBV survivor, Antoinette Lottering also shared her testimony which resonated with many. “For anyone who may be going through something traumatic or has resorted to destructive behaviour in hopes to fill a void, seek help from someone trustworthy. God has placed something so strong inside of each and every one of us. There is strength in us to take the step into the right path, you just need to believe it and seek the help you need,” she said.

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