Shine a light on GBV.

 

Shine a light on GBV.       Gender based violence (GBV)  What is and has been done about the situation at hand, besides them (the accused) appearing in court? What can we do as South Africa to stand together and prevent the increasing number of GBV? These are the type of questions that we as a country have and must ask ourselves.        Gender base violence has been an ongoing and trending topic in South Africa, which is not receiving enough attention to be dealt with as the percentage of gender base violence has increased.      Some people may be unaware of the definition of gender base violence, thinking that maybe what he/she has done is right and/ or reprimanding. So, let's start by defining what gender base violence is, so we all are on common ground. Gender base violence is basically a human rights violation, enrooted in gender inequality.         GBV CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE      So here are some tips to help us prevent a GBV experience (I am in no way an expert and have never been through a GBV encounter, but love to lend a helping hand):    We can strengthen relationship skills, by introducing them at creche, primary and high schools as well as in the communities we live in.  Schools and communities should be educated on GBV to be aware and well informed- This could be helpful in cases where children are exposed to GBV, realize its wrong and be the one to break the cycle.  Families should encourage healthy relationships within their homes, so that, when a family member has been through a lot, they will be aware of the various intuitions he/ she can turn to for help knowing that they will receive support from their families.  In the case where an individual has been or is currently going through GBV, please do access facilities to post GBV care services. We are not all the same, situations are different, and we deal with them differently, but it helps to talk. (Which is something I find difficult to do, so no judgment here).       DO NOT TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE HOME NEXT TO YOU.    As individuals most of us do not like to include ourselves in the affairs of others. We hear an argument from our next-door neighbor and the first thing we do is peek through a hole in the wall to see what is happening, and yes, I too am guilty...That should change. Yes, we could first evaluate the situation by peeking through the wall, if that’s legal, and attend the situation if you have seen that matters are getting out of hand, call the police, go over there, call the community and offer help.          Here is a link to help when helping an Individual going through GBV:    Step by step guide to treat gender based violence victims | SAnews  Please do find my hyperlinks useful, when you have been through Gender base violence:  https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/what-to-do-experience-gender-violence-south-africa/  What Is Gender Based Violence (GBV)? - SACAP  Three Things You Can Do About Gender-Based Violence (womenforwomen.org)  Support for victims of GBV (lifehealthcare.co.za)