Media Statement

11 May 2021

 

For immediate release

 

Taking allegations of domestic violence seriously can save lives, says anti-GBV NGO

 Cape Town, 110 May 2021 — MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to fighting GBV, says taking allegations of domestic violence seriously and believing victims could save women's lives.

The NGO says domestic violence is still either normalised or hidden as a matter to be dealt with in private between intimate partners or family members. "This is not true. Domestic violence is a public issue, a crime and a standalone crisis within the GBV narrative," says Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-Macmillan, Executive Director of MOSAIC. According to the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, survivors opened 50 124 cases of assault with the police, pointing to an alarmingly high violence rate in South African homes. Earlier statistics showed that close to 60% of these kinds of cases are perpetrated in the home of the victim or perpetrator or residents known by victims/perpetrators (first quarter, 2020-21).

 

Different forms of Domestic violence

In addition to physical and sexual violence, domestic violence can take on other forms. "The Domestic Violence Act will protect victims if they experience any of the following types of domestic violence:

• Property damage: also includes the vandalisation of homes, cars, furniture and other tangible items, which can cause financial setbacks.
• Harassment and stalking: texts, emails or telephone contact when the victim has told the person not to do so; coming to a victim's house or work without permission.
• Verbal abuse: insults, name-calling, shouting and swearing.

"All types of domestic violence should be taken seriously and not be dismissed as the perpetrator merely being angry, passionate or letting off some steam. Taking these allegations seriously enough can save lives," says Mchuchu- Macmillan. "Women are often dismissed and told the perpetrator seems like a nice guy or a great father. It's essential that we listen to them, believe and trust victims and survivors," she adds.

 

Supporting victims and survivors

MOSAIC says while victims of domestic violence are sometimes too scared and traumatised to report domestic violence and seek help, they can be supported in the following ways:

• Do not judge or ask why they haven't left. Survivors can't 'just leave' because of stigma, shame, not having anywhere else to stay, or isolation. Often, it takes time to follow formal processes of disclosures. They may also have other fears such as threats of further violence, losing their children, their home, or not being believed.
• Offer practical support and advice such as reporting to the police, going to court to seek a protection order or approaching NGOs like MOSAIC, even if it is to get help to create a safety plan.
• Be patient with them but continue encouraging them.

 

Victims of domestic violence can call MOSAIC on 021 761 7585 if based in Cape Town or the national GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

 

ENDS

About MOSAIC

MOSAIC is a community-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to prevent and reduce abuse and domestic violence. This is achieved by providing holistic, integrated services when incidents      occur, and supporting clients through the process of healing and rebuilding their lives after a traumatic event.

MOSAIC creates an enabling environment through our holistic and integrated five-pillar service model

• Access to justice – psychosocial and legal support provided by court support workers, and psychosocial support from MOSAIC's Sexual Violence Counsellors at Thuthuzela Care Centres
• Support and Healing – Counselling Services, Support Groups and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights;
• Engaging Men and Boys- Training and Workshops, Support Groups and Counselling for Men
• Empower- Education and Skills Training, Rights Training, Youth GBV Life Skills and Community Dialogues
• Advocacy and Policy- Advancing rights of women and girls by providing evidence from our services to change the system.

The organisation was established in 1993 in response to high levels of violence against women in South Africa, particularly in the form of domestic violence, and in recognition of the silence that many women suffer in unnecessarily, due to either a lack of knowledge of their rights, a lack of confidence to access justice for themselves, or both. MOSAIC's registered head office is in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

For further information about MOSAIC, please visit www.mosaic.org.za