More help for violence victims

FPD Managing Director, Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, said that violence-prevention training will also be extended to teachers, as well as antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence counsellors, with the aim of improving their ability to recognise gender-based violence amongst female patients attending public sector ART clinics.

"An important output of the programme is to develop a service directory that will list all government and civil society resources available in each province, which can be used by participants of the training programme to identify support organisations for victims of violence," said Wolvaardt.

NCK Coordinator for Training, Lina Ploug, said the project aimed to improve knowledge, attitudes and skills of healthcare and educational professionals.

"The courses will include training of ... doctors and health care workers ... as well as training of educators," Ploug explained.

Ploug also shared Swedish examples of concrete measures of addressing violence against women, which include a national 24-hour telephone support line, where the victims can call or text if they need assistance.

"The line is free of charge, not registered on the phone bill and the caller can be anonymous if she wants to," she said.

Rape survivor Zoe Harris, 35, commended the initiative, adding that it will assist most victims who are living with the trauma without receiving any support.

"It's a terrible experience, you feel isolated. I would encourage the victims to stand up and speak out and say enough is enough," said Harris.

South African Medical Association Chairperson, Norman Mabasa, also welcomed the initiative and encouraged donors to continue doing good deeds as they were investing in individuals' futures.