A Slice of Life
Mommy Matters - Stop domestic violence & abuse - there is help!!─── 13:29 Mon, 15 Dec 2014
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign challenges South Africans to declare a stop to violence against women and children. The campaign kicks off on 25 November and runs until 10 December. However we need to stand up against abuse every day! In Mommy Matters I speak to Yolandi Boshoff a legal advisor and qualified attorney for Legal and Tax to find out what we can do to report abuse and to stand up for ourselves and others. Listen to my discussion with her here.
Statistics show that 1 in 3 women experience emotional abuse, every 36 seconds a woman is raped in South Africa.Nearly 2,500 women have been murdered in South Africa every year and this is by their own husbands or boyfriends. Even worse is the fact that more so many girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18 and so many young children are victims of abuse and violence when one or both parents were too irresponsible or negligent to care for them.
Whether you’re a victim or someone who is witnessing a friend, neighbor or family member experiencing violence or abuse, Legal and Tax are always available to advise. Phone them on 0860 587 587 or e-mail info@legalandtax.co.za There are many non-profit organisations who voluntarily work to help people in these situations. Child Line, The Teddy Bear Clinic, POWA whom we just formed a partnership with to help their survivors, Operation Bobby Bear, to name but a few.
There is help out there, don’t be a victim. Now the festive season is upon us and abuse and violence automatically increase significantly. Don’t be scared, get the help you need. Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help. Report child abuse to the police immediately, and encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities.Lastly, seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abused and call Stop Gender Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150.
