THE Women’s Ministry Network of the Baptist Union in partnership with the KZN Baptist Network and the Austerville Baptist Church hosted a gender-based and femicide victim training day in Wentworth on September 12.

The training focused on raising awareness about the impact of GBV on victims, families and communities while equipping participants with a better understanding of how to support GBV victims.

Also read: Wentworth gets GBV rapid response facility

Reverend Gavin Samuels of Austerville Baptist Church said: “Many women from Durban and surrounding areas as far Richards Bay came together to learn and discuss how the church could make a difference in dealing with the current epidemic that is taking place in our country.”  

The training event covered the various topics on:  

• Various types of GBV and how to identify the symptoms of possible victimisation.
• How to respond when someone needs help and where the resources are in the local community.
• The biblical understanding of how to respond to both victims and perpetrator.
• The importance of having a safeguarding policy in place as a local church.

Members of the Wentworth Social Crime Prevention addressed the attendees on various legal options available to victims of domestic violence and GBV.

The Baptist Union across South Africa participates in an educational programme as well as advocacy especially during the 16 Days of Activism from November 25 to December 10. 

“We also place a chair covered in red fabric in our services highlighting the fact that someone who may have been able to be at the service is missing because she has been killed.  The Women’s Ministry Network also highlights UN Elder Abuse Day on June 16,” he said.

Should you need further information email women@baptistunion.org.za.

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