Empowering victims of violence

Prilene Ezaus co-ordinator of CWD’s Domestic Violence Programme says that a key aspect of her work is encouraging women to protect themselves by taking out a court order against the perpetrators.

‘It’s not easy for the victims because they’re scared ’ adds Prilene. ‘Often we have to accompany women to the courts for moral support.’

84 years old ...

But the programme is effective. This was recently highlighted when an 84-year-old woman came forward to apply for a court interdict against her grandson who had abused her emotionally and physically.

CWD’s awareness workshops – which are attended mostly by women – aim to empower participants and show them that there is help. It’s also a credit to the programme that CWD is approached by other stakeholders to present its workshop.

To strengthen its programme CWD has built up a good working relationship with various shelters for women and children the police courts and FAMSA – which counsels victims of domestic violence on an ongoing basis.