Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 03:29 AM
Posted by Ashley Cambridge
Today was exactly the “sobering experience” we were promised. Beginning at the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture, we talked with psychologist for trauma response Margaret Green. She gave us the Centre’s history; this TRC was a refuge for those visiting Robben Island’s imprisoned. A few years later, employees realized the mental health needs for ex-prisoners, exiles, and victims of political violence and repression. Today, the TRC has four programs: Trauma Response, Political Violence, Children & Violence, and Trauma Skills/Wellness. The TRC gained accreditation over the years, taking visitors such as Hillary Clinton and the Queen of Denmark.
Next in our day we visited the second stage home for Ons Plek, or “Our Place”, which is a project for street girls. At Siviwe, girls have counseling services, always individually, and schooling. Girls are phased back into their own homes if possible after their stay here. This project is the sole project for girls that allows pregnant or with children to seek care. Ons Plek helps an average of 150 girls per year.
The Saartijie Baartment Centre for Women and Children was our final centre stop of the day. This particular shelter provides food for its women and children seeking a violence-free atmosphere. In conjunction with other partner projects, the centre provides a “comprehensive intervention program.” Women stay first for three to four months in the shelter, while afterwards a second stage stay for six to nine months in housing units. Offering legal advice, first aid and home based care, and training for many occupations, the centre is a positive place for women to seek a temporary violence-free living arrangement while getting emotional help for their instabilities.
Reflecting on the day, one lingering topic is abuse in the home. A few days back, a man told the five boys of our group they have many women of whom to take care. What really bothers me is the idea that if this is the case – men taking care of their women, why is t here so much violence and rape? Teenage pregnancy is said to be climbing due to the pressure of men, and when these girls decline they are beaten. If they were really being taken care of, this wouldn’t be such an immense problem. Even the mention of contraception to some men leads to the assumption of unfaithfulness, and thus to violence. This then leads to one of the largest health “issues” in Africa: the spread of HIV/AIDS…
Thank you to Calvin and his family for having us to their home tonight for dinner! Happy Birthday, Calvin!