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africa now COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

South Africa’s Secret Shelter: A Safe Haven for Abused Women and Children

Through the help and expertise of the Nissa Institute for Women's Development, women who have managed to escape abusive relationships have a safe haven from their abusers and receive counselling. The non-profit, non-governmental organization opposes all forms of oppression against women. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 5 Women who have managed to escape abusive was observed on Fri., November 25. The day is set aside to address the surge relationships have a safe haven from their abusers of gender-based violence, particularly against women, and the need for imthanks to the Nissa Institute for Women's Develop- mediate and sustainable intervention. ment, a non-profit, non-governmental organization. On Wednesday, November 23, South Africa's police minister released the quarterly crimes statistics where he announced that 10,000 rape cases had been opened between July and September of this year.

After years of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her husband of 18 years, one woman, who withheld her name for her protection, managed to escape with her children ages 10 and 15 years.

A family friend noticed she was being abused by her husband and helped her leave, she said.

Another woman came to the shelter after being locked in a room in a rented property by a man she met online. She said she feared for her daughter's life as the man threatened to kill her and rape her daughter if she ever tried to leave or alert others on the property.

Held hostage with only a bucket to relieve herself, it was these threats that kept her from slipping a letter she had penned asking for help under the locked door.

Having safely escaped her abusive relationship, she urged other women to do the same. "It doesn't matter whether it's your children's father or your husband or whatever. Even if you don't have a home... just leave," she said.

Organizations such as the Nissa Institute for Women's Development continue to fight for the voiceless by providing shelter, therapy and support to women and children who have nowhere to go.

Through their support, one of the women at the shelter was able to get her first job after 18 years as a call center agent.

She said she hopes to rent a room so she and her children can start again. WI

caribbean now

Claudine Ewing Appointed CEO of United Way TCI

United Way Turks and Caicos has reintroduced the appointment of Ms. Claudine Ewing as its Chief Executive Officer, Magnetic Media in Turks and Caicos reported on Friday, November 25. “Inciting change and promoting growth are major attributes of one that leads a nonprofit organization, attributes that are regularly exhibited by Ms. Ewing, who was among the founding leaders of this fouryear-old non-profit organization,” Magnetic Media reported. “She held the post of Executive Director for two years and was able to promote change and growth for many young people through our various programs and initiatives. During the severe period of COVID-19, she was forced to leave to become a caregiver for her parents, who demanded much of her time.”

Magnetic Media added: “However, her love for philanthropic work always held a place in her heart and she knew that one day she needed to continue on the path of changing the lives of young people for the betterment of our country. Ms. Ewing’s ability to be a creative thinker, forge relationships with community partners, promote volunteerism, leverage the community to be consistent and get involved are just some of the qualities that she brings to this role in such crucial times to strengthen the fabric of our community.” “I’m excited to be back on the team and even more excited to get our program initiatives back up and running, with creative ideas and community conversations that will have everyone engaged,” Ms. Ewing said.

Chairman of the Board Mark Fulford said: “As a Board, we are pleased to pledge our support to our Executive Director Ms. Claudine Ewing. We encourage the community to get involved, as we reignite our Program Initiatives and continue to forge relationships with fellow nonprofits to have a greater impact in our community.”

WI

Substance Use Disorders and Finding a Path to Recovery

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia

Many people look forward to gathering with loved ones during the holidays, but for people who have a drug or alcohol addiction — also known as a substance use disorder — this time of year may be difficult. Family tensions, feelings of isolation, and increased alcohol consumption by those around a person could trigger an urge to use drugs or alcohol.

If you have a substance use disorder, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental and substance use disorders are among the top conditions that cause disability in the United States.1 It is important to remember the following: • Millions of Americans struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.1 • Substance addiction is a disease.2 • There is no shame in asking for help, and there are many resources available.

RECOGNIZING ADDICTION

Some people may not realize they have an addiction. Here are some signs of substance use disorders:3 • Inability to limit drinking • Underage or binge drinking • Sleeping at unusual times • Sudden weight loss or weight gain • Unsuccessful attempts to stop using substances • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school • Deterioration of physical appearance • Detachment from others • Unexplained need for money or financial problems

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Alcohol Screening Tool can be helpful for determining if you are consuming an unhealthy amount of alcohol.4 It also can help you make a plan to drink less. Make sure to discuss your plan with a healthcare provider.

TREATMENT

Most people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder do not do it alone. Getting treatment increases the likelihood of successful recovery. Treatments for substance use disorders may include the following:5 • Counseling to better understand addiction • Medications for opioid use disorders that can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms • Inpatient rehabilitation (residential facilities) for full-time support in an environment without distractions or temptations • Behavioral health care to address mental health concerns

RECOVERY

Recovery is possible, but relapse is common — making the road to recovery a lifelong journey. It is important to recognize your triggers so you can avoid certain situations and lower your chances of relapse. Here are some strategies to help you avoid substance use:6 • Do not attend gatherings where you will be unable to resist drinking. • Limit exposure to potential triggers. Avoid people and places that will encourage you to drink. • Create a relapse prevention plan for your recovery. • Seek help for extreme emotional states. Depression, stress, frustration, and anxiety provoke a reflexive desire to use substances to relieve the discomfort of these conditions. • Find hobbies and activities that do not involve using substances. • Find a network of people to support you during your journey.

AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) Addiction and Recovery Resources #BestMe

Resources

AmeriHealth Caritas DC has addiction and recovery resources for enrollees. • Peer Recovery Specialists understand addiction and can help enrollees find a path to recovery. To be connected with a Peer Recovery Specialist, call Enrollee Services at

1-800-408-7511 or

TTY 1-800-570-1190. • The Enrollee Services team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can assist you with finding the right provider or program.

The information in this article is intended to help you learn more about this topic. It is not meant to take the place of speaking with your health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider. If you think you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this article, please contact your health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

MYRECOVERYDC

MyRecoveryDC is a program that helps Washington, DC, residents who struggle with alcohol or substance use find treatment and recovery services in their neighborhood.7

MyRecoveryDC services include the following: • Residential and outpatient treatment services

• Medication-assisted treatment • Posttreatment recovery services such as mentoring from counselors, education and job-readiness support, and recovery housing

Visit https://myrecoverydc.org/ to learn more.

Sources 1.“Prevention of Substance Use and Mental Disorders,” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/ prevention#substance-use-disorder-prevention 2.“Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder),” Mayo Clinic, https://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc20365112 3.“Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders,” MentalHealth. Gov, https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ what-to-look-for/mental-health-substance-use-disorders 4.“Check Your Drinking. Make a Plan to Drink Less,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc. gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/index. html

5.“Recovery is for Everyone: Understanding Treatment of Substance Use Disorders,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https:// www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/featured-topics/recovery-sud.html. 6.“Learning to Avoid Temptations,” Addiction Center, https:// www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/ coping-triggers/

“About MyRecoveryDC,” MyRecoveryDC, https://myrecoverydc.org/ about/

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

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