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In 2014/2015, it was estimated that 563 841 sexual offences occurred but only 62 649 sexual offences were reported. 8 174 of these sexual offences cases went to court, and only 1% of the perpetrators got jail time for their horrendous crimes.
Violence against women is a social tragedy. It transcends political, religious and economic boundaries and it has detrimental consequences for our nation at large.
Besides the far-reaching psychological effects of abuse, it costs South Africa between R28.4 billion and R42.4 billion per year.
Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the world turns its attention to the plight of abused women.
Read more: Why we should all be (unapologetically) assertive
Much is done during this brief time to raise awareness, expose this social tragedy and campaign for equality, but is it enough? A bruise can heal in 16 days but for the survivors of abuse, the veiled emotional scars last a lifetime.
“More can and must be done to highlight this injustice. Every case of a woman being abused is a case too many.
Too many survivors continue to suffer in silence and it’s our joint responsibility to do whatever possible to change this, says Casey Rousseau, spokesperson for 1st for Women Insurance and the 1st for Women Foundation which to date has raised R49 million to fight violence against women.
On 20 November 2016 in Durban and on 26 November 2016 in Johannesburg, thousands of people will unite at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga and Montecasino in Fourways for the 1st for Women Sisters with Blisters protest walk with Jacaranda FM (Johannesburg) and East Coast Radio (Durban).
Read more: Gun violence and the tragedy left in its wake
Gun violence and the tragedy left in its wake
“This will be the largest peaceful protest of its kind – a chance for men, women, children to come together, walk as one and make our collective voices heard. There is strength in numbers and with that strength comes power – the power to make a difference,” says Rousseau.
1st for Women Sisters with Blisters marks the start of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign.
All proceeds raised will be donated to two organisations that make an active and practical difference to the lives of those affected by abuse – Men and Women against Child Abuse (Johannesburg) and the Centre for Community Justice and Development (CCJD) (Johannesburg and Durban).
Tickets can be purchased via www.sisterswithblisters.co.za.
Sisters, misters, kids and four-legged friends are invited to walk 5KMs and make a statement in high heels (or in slippers, trainers, sandals etc).
This is your chance to dress up, step out, speak out and inspire victims of abuse to change their lives for the better.
Read more:
Rebounding after rape: will ‘freed’ Chibok girls face double victimisation?
