A haven for victims of abuse

By Roedolf Walker
AlbertRecord
August 08, 2020

https://albertonrecord.co.za/275822/a-haven-for-victims-of-abuse/

The Amcare Victim Empowerment Programme team: Bridgette Sono (house mother), Yvonne Nkutha (house mother), Delisile Dube (shelter manager), Fatima Makhubele (social auxillary worker), Zenzi Buthelezi (skills development facilitator) and Ruth Ntuli (chief social worker). Absent: Lebo Tsotetsi (social worker) and Nomonde Ntlemeza (house mother).

They educate women on what is the exit plan for them if they were to find themselves in an abusive relationship.

Amcare’s empowerment centre is a safe haven for victims of domestic abuse in Alberton and the surrounding area.

They provide a shelter for women and their children to escape the abusive situation they find themselves in with the focus on victims of ongoing and current domestic victims.

A unique advantage they have is that they can provide shelter for the women and their children, even boys over the age of 15.

According to Amcare general manager Marihet Infantino, as well as providing shelter to the victims, they assist with the legal aspects of gaining a protection order to protect them.

“A major focus after this is counseling,” said Marihet.

She said after experiencing this kind of violence the effects can have major and lasting effects on the self-esteem of the victims. “We help to empower women by teaching them skills to give them the opportunity to empower themselves.”

As part of Amcare’s support work, they visit the surrounding areas to educate women on their rights.

“As we are in a patriarchal society, it is an important thing to remind women they have equal rights to men,” said Marihet.

They educate women on what is the exit plan for them if they were to find themselves in an abusive relationship.
Amcare is a NPO and despite receiving a subsidy from the government they still need assistance from the public to help support those in need.

To support a mother and her children costs Amcare approximately R8 000 a month.

Amcare is also always in need of food to help support those unable to and are asking for donations of food.
When a victim leaves her abusive situation she does not always take her clothes with her. They are in need of larger-size clothing and any donation will be welcomed. A dire need for these victims is underwear and pajamas.

To find out more about how you can help and make a donation visit their website at www.amcare.org.za
In the trying times in which people find themselves, Marihet, on behalf of Amcare, thanks those who made it possible for them to continue serving the community and meeting their needs.

They would especially like to thank the Bridge Church, the Elohim Community Church, NG Kerk Verwoerdpark and the Alberton Methodist Church.

Step 1: Report the crime to your local police station.
Step 2: Obtain an interim protection order at your local magistrate’s court.
Step 3: Attend the hearing for the full protection order.
Step 4: If the protection order is violated, report it to a police station immediately.

*Information from the Department of Justice website.

All people are treated equally before the law and as a woman, you need to remember you have the following basic human rights:

• The right to equality
• The right to life
• The right to dignity
• The right to privacy
• The Right to protection
• The right not to be discriminated against due to gender
• The right to freedom of movement
• The right to enjoy bodily and psychological integrity
• The right to defense and not to be treated in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way