Margo Johnson, chief executive officer (CEO) of Shalom Community Care, a non-profit organisation, in Lotus River, hosted a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness day, at Ann Toddlers and Welfare Centre in Buck Road, on Saturday August 13.
Ms Johnson said the event was initiated as these incidents are seldom reported so they held an awareness day to inform victims who the relevant people are to go to for help.
The guests were Allison Malan, motivational speaker; Veronica Nicolas, victim support volunteer; Wendy Jonas, Muizenberg trauma counsellor; and Charlotte Sihepo, social auxiliary worker, at Mosaic.
Ms Johnson said about 60 women and one man had the opportunity to ask for support.
Ms Nicolas said: “I encouraged the beautiful women and one gentleman about how strong and motivated we become when someone shares the lows in their lives with us, as we all experienced abuse in so many different forms. I was blessed and encouraged by the involvement of so many women in our communities. The efforts of everyone contributing to make our communities better is that which matters. As a victim support team volunteer, I salute all volunteers serving to make their space a better place. I hereby want to thank the facilitators for a very successful event on Saturday.”
Ms Sihepo said: “My message was clear to the woman of Lotus River to those suffering of any form of violence or being abused to break the silence, by speaking out. Mosaic was rendering services to the community for free, it only cost clients to call and make that appointment.”
Those who attended were spoiled with a goody bag and a light lunch.