Domestic violence is a major issue which plagues our society. Various articles and campaigns constantly remind us of the torment victims face.
What human being claims to love someone, then in the next breath beats them, or torments them through verbal abuse?! Always with the empty promise of, “it will never happen again”.
With 60 000 cases being reported and many going unreported in South Africa, just where does Newcastle and the Amajuba District fall into this dark side of humanity?
“Over the past year, nine women were killed in the Amajuba District. All of them were victims of domestic violence. People don’t realise just how many women experience domestic violence in our area.
“Domestic violence does not happen just with poorer families. It is across all boards. It is extremely serious, and people are losing their lives,” explains Mary Dobbie of Newcastle Crisis Centre.
Other than these women paying the ultimate price for remaining in an abusive relationship, there are other women who still endure physical, emotional and mental abuse on a regular basis.
“There is an increase in domestic violence,” says Child Welfare Social Worker, Farieda Mia.
But what is causing an increase in domestic violence within the Amajuba District?
Mia says one of the contributing factors in the scourge is a change in the financial climate of many families. “Because a lot of people do not have the adequate skills to deal with this form of stress they lash out. Then there is substance abuse which is also a contributing factor.”
Why are local women remaining in abusive relationships?
“A lot of women are scared to leave because they have a roof over their heads. Then they also have children who are in school. If they leave their partner, what happens? They are scared they will lose their homes and will not be able to care for their children,” says Dobbie.
However, remaining in an abusive relationship is not only hazardous to a woman, but it also has negative implications on the entire family.
“While the children are not always abused, they do witness the acts and that is a form of abuse. Which is where we as the Child Welfare step in to intervene and take the necessary measures to safeguard the children,” Mia says.
What steps can domestic violence victims take?
Mary says victims should always contact the SAPS, who will step in and assist.
The Crisis Centre and Child Welfare are also two organisations which are willing to help domestic violence victims.
“What people forget is that men can also be abuse victims. Men often remain silent due to them being worried that their reports will not be taken seriously,” says Mary.
In order to protect men and women from abusive partners, they can obtain protection orders. Dobbie says if used correctly, a protection order can ensure the perpetrator is unable to cause any harm. If they do attempt to violate the protection order, the victim can have them arrested.
With nine women dead over the past year alone and domestic violence constantly on the rise, are we doing enough to protect victims of abuse?
