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Reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is being abused

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Credit: iStock
Credit: iStock

The video, I am a Woman, speaks volumes about the reality of women abuse, and aims to raise awareness of this horrendous act of violence and provide support for those in need.

The woman in the video seems happy, confident and clear about who she is and what she stands for. However, appearances are deceiving: if you ask a few more questions and listen carefully, it is clear that she is terrified for her life – in the one place she should feel safest, her home. 

Read more: "What's Your Story?" encourages women to share their personal stories to promote understanding and healing

Earlier this year Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa revealed that South Africa’s femicide rate (when a woman is killed by her intimate partner) is five times higher than the global average. According to this article by City Press, 2016's statistics indicate that every six hours, a woman is killed by her current or former intimate partner.

You can’t always see that someone is being abused, but because the abuse of women and children is so rife, three women are killed by their intimate partners every single day. That’s one every eight hours!

If you need help, or if you know of a loved one or friend who does, please contact POWA’s emergency hotline on 011 642 4345 or 011 642 4346. We can help women and children in danger get out of the situations that threaten their lives, and support them as they build a new, safer future.

Read more: Cosby to teach young men how to avoid sexual accusations

POWA was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers to provide referral services and shelter to women experiencing domestic violence. Over a period of 30 years, POWA has continued to provide shelter for abused women and their children, and frontline services, including counselling and legal services and support.

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