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Don’t suffer in silence, report all forms of abuse

 

As the country nears the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children (25 November until 10 December), the spotlight once again falls on domestic violence in our society.

Although the campaign mostly focuses on women and children, it must be noted that men can also be victims of domestic violence, and that they have the same right to protection as women and children.

“Domestic violence can take several different forms,” said Ms Friede Meissenheimer, social worker for the local South African Women’s Federation (SAVF) in Louis Trichardt.

Probably the most common form of abuse is physical abuse. “This form of domestic violence include hitting, stabbing, choking, biting and kicking. It can also include withholding access to resources necessary to maintain health, for example medical care, food and sleep,” said Meissenheimer.

Then there is emotional abuse. This form of abuse refers to the destruction of the victim’s sense of self-worth. “It can include name-calling, constant criticism and humiliation, withholding affection or approval, obsessive jealousy and manipulating a victim’s feelings and emotions to induce guilt,” said Meissenheimer, adding that this form of abuse is the most difficult to prove and can be very common in unhealthy relationships.

Sexual abuse, said Meissenheimer, can range from the obvious forms, such as rape and sexual harassment, to lesser known forms such as being forced to not use contraceptives and being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.

Another form of abuse is financial or economic abuse – the least known form of domestic violence. “This can include preventing your partner from obtaining a job or education, controlling shared resources and preventing your partner's access to it, requiring accountability for all money spent and refusing to work but contributing to expenses,” said Meissenheimer.

Then there is psychological abuse. “This form of abuse is focused on instilling fear in a person. It may take the form of blackmail, destruction of pets or property, stalking, isolation from family and friends and forced imprisonment,” said Meissenheimer.

But there is hope for people in abusive relationships. Meissenheimer urged people not to suffer in silence but to seek help. “Talk to someone you can trust, and remember that this is not your fault. You can also get help by applying for a protection order at your nearest magistrate’s court and lay a criminal charge against the abuser,” said Meissenheimer.

As for violence against children, Meissenheimer said that any form of suspected child abuse or neglect could be reported to a social worker or the FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) Unit of the police. “Any person in the community is allowed to make a report regarding children. According to Section 110 of the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, the following people are obligated by law to report any suspected abuse. They are any medical professional, minister of religion, teacher, social worker, legal practitioner, correctional official, traditional health practitioner or traditional leader,” said Meissenheimer.

For help with domestic violence and child-protection matters, Meissenheimer urged members of the public to phone the local branches of the SAVF at 015 516 3841, Christian Social Services (CMR) at 015 516 5115, the Department of Social Development at 015 516 1524 or the FCS Unit at 082 729 0175 or 082 319 9650.

 

 

Date:21 November 2015

By: Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

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