GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign started on Friday 25 November and will end on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
With this in mind, Graaff-Reinet business owner Sakkie Van Zyl identified the need for a shelter for victims of abuse and violence, as he wondered what happened to women after they reported domestic abuse.
This shelter, a first of its kind for the town, is now in its planning phase.
The shelter will offer accommodation, security and other supporting services to women who experienced physical and psychological abuse, and who are in danger from their immediate abusive environment.
Van Zyl is the chairperson for this initiative, and has secured a property about 15km outside Graaff-Reinet which can be utilised to assist up to 20 women, and possibly their young children, as a safe house.
"Violence can cause significant and long-term injuries, both physical and psychological, which are difficult to heal," Van Zyl said.
"The "shelter will provide the women with a safe environment, while the domestic violence issue is dealt with."
According to Jennie van Jaarsveld, who runs the Khomanani White Door Centre of Hope in Graaff-Reinet, trauma can happen to anyone, no matter your status. The support centre has seen close to 7,000 victims come through its doors since its inception in 2007.
Auntie Jennie, as she is known amongst locals, helps provide victims with information about obtaining protection orders or advice on issues when dealing with the SAPS regularly.
"A shelter in the Graaff-Reinet area will help victims tremendously, as victims often feel they cannot leave their home in fear of being destitute and homeless," Van Jaarsveld said.
She added that victims often try to leave the abusive environment, but are then forced to return to the abuser because of a lack of support, financial reasons and sometimes out of fear that the abuser will harm their children.
The shelter would ultimately aim to help victims regain their confidence and psychological stability.
"It will also offer victims assistance, aiming at their re-integration and repositioning in society after they have experienced domestic violence and break the cycle of violence," said Van Zyl.
With the help of Van Jaarsveld, social worker Diane Betrum, Karien de Wett, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research and the Department of Social Development, a business plan for the shelter has been submitted.
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