The Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse spread some festive season cheer among children at their annual outreach programme at Snowdon Park, in Tafelsig, on Wednesday December 5.
For two hours they sang, danced and also educated the children about abuse.
The event was supported by various organisations, including the Mitchell’s Plain Gospel Outreach String Band, We Trust, The Lung Clinic, Tafelzugt and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), who did HIV testing.
The programme forms part of the organisation’s commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
The international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls runs every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Operations manager Mareldia Sonday said they needed to make children aware at a young age about gender-based violence, about their bodies and the dangers around them.
“Even though this is a park where children should be safe, there are evils lurking and we teach children to say no to abuse,” she said.
Ms Sonday said the children must take the message to their parents, who must know that there is help.
“We want people to come out and break the silence so we can stop the violence,” she said.
“Let us assist you, whether it is identifying what the problem is, if it is anger management or just speaking about abuse,” she said.
Rygana Samuels, chairperson of the network’s board, said anyone is welcome to seek help and they were there to let people know about their services.
The network has various programmes, including lay counsellors stationed at Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court where they can help with protection orders and warrants of arrests; a qualified social worker and psychologist who facilitate one-on-one counselling sessions; workshops; and support group meetings. They also have a school project.
For more information call the network’s office on 021 376 4788 or visit them at the Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre, corner of Rambler and Pontiac Streets, in Beacon Valley.