GEORGE NEWS - As part of the global movement towards achieving gender equality by 2030, South Africa celebrates this year's Women's Month under the theme "Generation Equality - Realising Women's Rights for an Equal Future".

But despite dedicating August to women, gender-based violence remains on the increase in South Africa and unfortunately the local picture doesn't look bright either - especially not for the children.

According to Thuthuzela Care Centre's Angelique Vezasie, the largest percentage of victims they are currently treating are children between the ages of two and 16, of which the majority are female.

"Statistically speaking, there is not exactly an increase in the figures as far as adult women are concerned because so many cases are not reported for various reasons. From time to time, women are referred to us from the casualty unit, especially women who have suffered very serious injuries and those who need to be referred to a place of safety," Vezasie said.

Victim empowerment social worker of Famsa, Selomè Bennie, said over the last year they have experienced an influx in the need for play therapy and child/adolescent counselling due to the increase in domestic violence.

"Domestic violence with the psychological harm it causes children is one of our community's harsh realities. Children visit the office with a specific problem, and in most cases we soon realise the root cause is the child being exposed to high conflict or domestic violence," she said.

Manager of Phambili Shelter for battered women and children, Maryda Squire, says they have noted a definite increase since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Other attributing social factors that have led to the increase are unemployment and alcohol and drug abuse. 

"From January to August this year, Phambili has dealt with 27 families consisting of 50 individuals of which the most are children. All women have to come to us out of their own free will and victims can stay with us for up to three months," she said.

Help available for victims

When you are a victim of domestic violence looking for help, you can report the abuse to your local police station, a community worker or any of the above organisations. Trained personnel will also be able to assist with a protection order. You do not have to have serious injury to report abuse, as abuse takes many forms. 

"Help is available. Victims can stay with friends or family and they can obtain a protection order from court," said Squire. "They can also go to Famsa or to the nearest police station for help, or contact Phambili's office on 044 875 1551."

Don't withdraw the case

Thuthuzela's Vezasie confirmed that victims can report any form of assault or abuse to the police, even if they don't have an existing protection order or interdict.

"The victim should also not just withdraw a case because she believes the violence will cease. In many incidents the victim reports the case and then wants to withdraw because she feels sorry for the offender or sometimes because he is the sole breadwinner.

There are many ways we can help the court to ensure that the abuse does not happen again. If cases keep on being retracted, there will be no end to the abuse," she said. Thuthuzela Care Centre can be reached on 044 802 4429.

Famsa WhatsApp helpline

Famsa also offers a victim empowerment programme for counselling and trauma after-care. This programme includes a group of trained after-hour supporters who render trauma containment for adult victims after hours at the Thuthuzela Care Centre.

"During the pandemic we have established a WhatsApp Victim Empowerment line where a victim can reach out, ask questions, get information and book sessions with [counsellors]. We encourage victims to make use of this line on 060 870 3210," said Bennie.

What the community can do

• Be willing to testify in court to assist the victim and substantiate her version.
• Call the police for assistance to the victim.
• Inform the victim that help is available if she wants to reach out.
• Stop looking the other way when women are abused.
• Run awareness campaigns in communities, schools and clinics so victims know that there are organisations that can help.

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