Abongile Allessing’s life lies in tatters, shattered by the brutal GBV attack that tore through her family home after her sister’s boyfriend, Lebohang Victor Sechefo, viciously assaulted her in the family home in Vosman. The brutal assault has left her with emotional scars that cut far deeper than the physical wounds.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life after the attack on Sunday, August 4, 2024, Abongile is forced to confront the haunting reality of living with the constant, suffocating fear of violence. Sechefo’s two-year sentence, handed down on November 19, 2024, brings little solace when faced with the crushing weight of a lifetime of psychological trauma.

The hidden scars of GBV are a toxic legacy, infecting every waking moment with anxiety, fear, and despair. Long after the perpetrator is brought to justice, victims like Abongile are left to navigate a world that is forever tainted by the horrors they endured. Memories of that fateful day haunt her, triggering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), nightmares, and a constant, debilitating avoidance of triggers.

The statistics are heart-wrenching, but it’s the human toll that’s truly soul-shattering. GBV victims often succumb to the dark abyss of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts – the invisible wounds that linger long after the bruises have faded. Anxiety disorders become a constant, merciless companion, as they’re forced to live in a state of hypervigilance, always looking over their shoulder, never knowing a moment’s peace.

Relationships become a minefield of mistrust, intimacy a distant memory. Activities and places they once loved are now avoided, a constant, painful reminder of the trauma they endured. The road to healing is long, arduous, and often travelled alone, as the initial support and outrage give way to the silence and indifference of a world that moves on.

“During the court proceedings, I received a lot of support. After that, people carried on with their lives. Which I’m okay with. They did what they could. A lot of promises were made that were not fulfilled, but I’m okay with that as well. Life must go on,” Abongile said about the support structure she had.

As Abongile embarks on this perilous journey, she’s not alone. Countless survivors of GBV are forced to confront the same harsh realities, their lives forever altered by the brutality of others. It’s time for us to acknowledge the true extent of their suffering and offer more than just initial outrage. We must provide ongoing support, understanding, and compassion, for the road to healing is long, and the scars of GBV run devastatingly deep.

“Life will not be the same after the incident. Expect that. Be strong. You will be alone, and you will have only you to depend on to heal. Be strong and rebuild your life as best as you can,” was Abongile’s advice to other victims of GBV.

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