Help desk in trouble

Reaching Out Director Pam Govender and Support Desk Manager Purity Mdlalose with some of the items that will be on sale during the weekly Friday bazaar

"We are not giving up without a fight. We are absolutely not closing down. We will do all we can to stay afloat" - Reaching Out Director Pam Govender

The only Advice and Support Centre available for victims of domestic violence in the area faces imminent closure if the organisation is not rescued. Reaching Out has been a haven for victims of abuse since 2006, prompting more people to gradually come forward about domestic violence. ‘Many victims depend on us for support. ‘If we shut down, what will happen to those who need our help? said Reaching Out Director, Pam Govender. ‘But we are not just sitting back. We are baking and selling muffins everyday. We are now massaging as an income-generating project. We host a bazaar at our offices every Friday,’ said Pam. Pam said the organisation was currently dealing with 36 active cases of domestic violence at the workplace, despite its financial strain. ‘Violence is still not viewed as a serious social problem. ‘We are not just here to empower females - we deal with both males and females on a daily basis. ‘The organisation was formed to protect children so that this cycle is not perpetuated by the next generation. ‘A protection order is just a lid on a steaming pot as underlying issues and the root cause of the problem have not been sorted.’

Workplace
‘Domestic violence perpetrators have even visit their partner’s place of business in an attempt to harm or harass them. ‘Not only is this a dangerous situation for the victim, but it also creates a dangerous environment for co-workers. ‘Many of the victims will try to hide the abusive relationship from work colleagues due to shame, fear of the abuser, being judged by colleagues and how it could jeopardise opportunities for promotions.’ She said employers needed to understand the seriousness of domestic violence, as it contributed to high absenteeism, low productivity and endangered all employees. ‘A domestic violence policy should be part of an employer’s guidelines to encourage open communication and to guide supervisors for proper procedures when there is an employee recognised as a victim.’ For more information, contact Pam Govender on 035 7899111 or 083 7808207.