Rape, sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS are challenges facing all South Africans. Unfortunately, many victims of abuse do not know where to find help. This coupled with a lack of accessible information, results in victims not getting the attention that they need.
Mara Glennie, founder of TEARS (Transform Education about Rape & Sexual Abuse) has this to say: “My motivation comes from a deeply personal space. I myself was a survivor of violence. I felt helpless and desperate and did not know where to turn. The memory of that feeling has never left me. ”
It is estimated that 75 – 80% of victims of abuse do not report these crimes. There are many reasons for this, however according to Mara there is insufficient awareness of where victims can get help and information about how the justice system operates.
TEARS aims to address this lack of information by providing instant referrals to the nearest assistance facilities through of a “USSD” system (*120*7355#) which can be dialled from your cell phone. Another goal is to promote a change in attitudes through educational and awareness programmes.
Each of the women involved in this initiative, or someone close to them, has had their own experience and understands how it feels to be powerless and hopeless. Rape/Sexual Assault survivors need understanding and counselling in order to recover. They also need to be able to report such acts of violence and heal from them in an environment that is non-threatening. While it is unrealistic to believe we can eradicate this type of violence completely, by increasing awareness we hope to significantly reduce it.
more info – TEARS RAPE SEXUAL ABUSE HOTLINE
If you would like to support TEARS contact:
Mara Glennie |
(c) 082 448 9324 |
email marag@tiscali.co.za |
Rape Referral helpline – *120*7355# click here for more info about Tears Programme |
click here for more info about Tears Programme
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