WHO THEY ARE
Ethembeni Crisis Care Centre is an organization and shelter for abused women and children through domestic violent. The organization consists of a Centre manager, Professional Social worker, Community developer/mobiliser, Project manager and Psychologist, for years their core focus had been on eradicating domestic violence in the community along with other related social ills. However through their practical experience they have discovered that domestic violence derives from Gender Based Violence. The Organization then took the initiative to conduct research on GBV to seek solutions on the matter. Research proved that the root cause of GBV lies in unequal power relations between women and men. The effects of GBV are far-reaching and extend beyond the individual depending on an individual, families and the society. For example, there is an area in KwaNdengezi community that is ruled by chieftaincy and traditional churches where Gender Based Violence is perceived as rare or exceptional, even if men realize their actions it is expected that women straighten their behavior towards men to reduce/minimize the chances of instigating violence.
The matter is dealt with privately within that community and the church or within families which becomes a hindrance to reach the organisations objective to combat the increase and the “norm” of Gender Based Violence.
Their aim as an organization is to introduce the Gist of Gender Based Violence to the community through Research, forming practical solutions that will help reduce the epidemic of GBV in societies. Through collective and collaboration work with the Department of Social Development they have discovered that there are additional contributing factors aligning the GBV epidemic which includes HIV status, Sexual Identity, Discrimination either by community, schools or socially, unequal power relations and the breakdown of family structure. Therefore it is in their reach to break down the cycle of Gender based violence through educating the communities, schools, and/ other institutions through awareness campaigns and programmes that will aid reduce this stigma.
