Abuse cases on the rise NICOLE MCCAIN
O
n Good Friday, a Nomzamo man came home under the influence of alcohol. He had spent some of his wife’s money, and when she confronted him, they began to argue. The argument turned physical, and as his wife ran into the house, he took out a gun and fired it. The woman died, and he turned the gun on himself afterwards. Their seven-year-old child witnessed it all. The child, after seeing Social Services, is now living with family. A murder docket and inquest have been opened, and an investigation is under way. Cases such as this are a big problem in the Helderberg, says Hilda Lourens of NGO Ukhukanya, which provides support for victims of domestic violence. She says the organisation, which works with men, women and children, received 18 reports of domestic violence last month. It dealt with another 40 in January and February. “These are only those that are reported to us. If I had to guess, I’d say this is merely a tenth of what is reported in our area,” says Lourens. And it’s not just women and children – almost half the cases personnel dealt with over the last month involved the abuse of men. Constable Mbulelo Mafuna of the
Strand Social Crimes Unit estimates that over 40 protection orders were served in March. These aren’t issued in every case of domestic violence, so there could be more, he says. Fifty incidents of domestic violence were reported in Gordon’s Bay in March, according to the Gordon’s Bay police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nico Beukes. He says nine of these were criminal cases. “There has been an increase this year,” says Beukes, who mentions another 30 incidents reported since January. “But it’s because people are becoming more aware and reporting the incidents.” Lourens says these are not the only areas with a high incidence of domestic violence, with Macassar and Lwandle in particular being problem areas. Constable Mthokosisi Gama, spokesperson for the Lwandle police, confirms the high rate of domestic violence, but declines to divulge the number of reports the station has received owing to a national lockdown on the publication of crime statistics more than once a year. The official statistics do not include a category for domestic violence; these cases are grouped under assault or murder. Lourens says abuse is not only physical – Ukhukanya often deals with cases of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can trigger a response
of physical abuse, she adds. Gama clarifies that domestic abuse involves mistreatment or controlling behaviour by one partner towards another in a relationship, which could be between couples, ex-partners, family members or a house mate, among others. Reinette Evans, director of Rape Crisis Helderberg, says domestic abuse is often related to substance abuse. Lourens adds that abuse has become a cultural mind-set, and children are often affected by domestic violence. Children who grow up in an abusive home often perpetuate the cycle because they know nothing else. It is here that education and awareness come in. Evans says domestic abuse can be prevented with education, and “helping mothers to teach their sons to respect women and vice versa. Often the boys just copy what their father does.” She adds that women need to know their rights, and the fact that they can get an interdict against their husband or partner. Gama stresses that cases should be reported to the police, who can help obtain a protection order. However, “the protection order is only the start – it simply sets the boundaries in the relationship”, says Lourens. She adds that the biggest challenge in fighting domestic abuse is
Breadwinners: Morkel Cottage children were given something for hungry tummies when the Kingdom Light Church handed out bread during a community outreach day on Friday. The giving didn’t stop there – Duraline and volunteers painted a section of the Morkel Cottage crèche, while volunteers with PetPals helped treat about 70 dogs for ticks and fleas, and handed out pet food. Photo: Liezie van der Walt
people who drop charges, or apply for a protection order and take no further action. Gama says women often withdraw the charges because the perpetrator is a breadwinner, or with the excuse that the incident was a misunderstanding.
To find out more, or to report domestic violence, visit your local police station or call 10111, or contact Ukhukanya on 021 850 0061. The Stop Women Abuse Helpline can be reached on 0800 150 150, and Childline on 0800 055 555.
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