Domestic violence a scourge
ALEXANDRA - Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training [ADAPT], is concerned about the effects of crime on the well being of women in Alexandra.
Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training organisation is concerned about the effects of crime on women in Alexandra.
Most of the perpetrators of crimes against women are known to the women.
Outlining this challenge, the organisation’s CEO, Irene Khumalo said they handled 120 cases of domestic and sexual violence monthly in Alexandra. “We provide victims counselling support, coping strategies after and before violations, medico-legal support when preparing for court, and accompaniment to court to ensure fair access to justice,” she said
“Despite this the violation of women’s rights continues unabated, indicating a deep seated power imbalance, and lack of reciprocal respect to women in the home and community.”
Khumalo added that despite the organisation holding workshops to raise awareness of women abuse, the number of cases of battered women and of secondary abuse remained high. “We have established relations with the police on law enforcement, with service providers for training and workshops – including at schools – on sexual and domestic violence, but still there are violations of restraining court orders,” she said.
Khumalo attributed the cause of the problems to poverty. “Overcrowding in the area causes stress which is acted out violently on women, and children exposed to the violence mimic the same behaviour. Dark streets provide cover to criminals to do what they want. Also, victims’ dependency on those who violate their rights makes it difficult for the them to report abusers for fear of losing support.”
She said there was still a chance to remedy the situation. This required the development of a community empowerment model centred on women. The model should strengthen family systems, balance human rights issues with traditional practices, strengthen women’s coping mechanisms, and empower youths with life and gender sensitivity skills among others.
Khumalo said they have also established a young women’s movement where girls were taught leadership skills, drawing, poetry, and martial arts for self- discipline and defence.
