Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse recorded an increase of 1 000 gender-based violence cases within a year, reported across their different community awareness programmes.
Network board chairwoman Rygana Samuels said it was a great honour to be among their members, staff, board members, stakeholders and community during their annual general meeting at Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre, in Rambler Street, Beacon Valley, on Wednesday May 8.
“However with the economic downfall, comes the rise of violence, as our community struggles to cope with financial commitments and stress, this leads to violence, emotional or physical.
“We have definitely seen a rise in domestic violence during the period 2023/2024,” she said.
In 2022/2023 they recorded approximately 4 000 cases, including various types of abuse and need for assistance compared to the financial year 2023/2024, ending in March, with 5 000 cases.
Ms Samuels said domestic violence could be easily ignored, as it often happened without any witnesses and it was easier “not to get involved”.
“By publicly speaking out against domestic violence, together we can challenge attitudes towards violence in the home and show that domestic violence is a crime and not merely accepted,” she said.
The network seeks to empower victims or survivors of abuse, violent crimes and disasters with coping skills, promoting and advocating for the prevention thereof.
Operations manager Mareldea Sonday said that they have had a good year but that funding was always a challenge.
She said they hosted various programmes, including their skills development workshops at the Baptist Church in Beacon Valley every Tuesday between 10am and noon; support group meetings at Eastridge clinic every Wednesday between 10am and noon; outreach programmes where they perform skits and give talks to raise awareness of social issues; and they have also visited Caradale Primary School where they offer psycho-social support to pupils.
“Even though these are non-funded projects, our team has passion, commitment and their hearts in these initiatives,” she said.
Ms Sonday said anyone seeking assistance may visit their office at the frail care centre, 2 Rambler Street in Beacon Valley or call their administrator on 021 376 0445 or 071 818 9325.
