This e-publication was created by the members of the End GBVF Collective to advance the struggle for human dignity, healing, safety, freedom and equality in our lifetime. #endGBVF @endGBVFcollective #mentalwellnessinitiative #MWI www.facebook.com/HealthyMindSA www.gbvf.org.za
01 ISSUE
AUGUST 2022
COLLECTIVE ACTION MAGAZINE
trauma informed approach
"A Social Conspiracy"
M ade possible by
In partnership with
Special Thanks
Our Team
A special thank you to the Ford Foundation and End GBVF Collective for this collaborative vision. A heartfelt thank you to all the organisations and collaborators who have partnered with us to make this vision possible. We appreciate and value all the role players within End GBVF Collective - Implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBVF that have come together in the effort to eradicate GBVF.
Editor in Chief Tracey-Lee Kotzen Editor Hazel Namponya Designers
Heidi Schutter Kyara Schutter Technical Consultants
Candice Ludick Lenina Rassool
Editorial Office
Mental Wellness Initiative NPC Address: 17 North Road, Hyde Park, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa
Email: media@mwi.org.za Office No.: +27 (0) 63 912 8735 Website: www.mwi.org.za
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge and thank the contributors who donated time, shared their knowledge and drew from their life and professional experience to enhance this magazine. We honour their courage and vulnerability to produce such intimate, evocative stories which aim to educate and illuminate on the issues of GBVF.
Nadim Matta Professor Corné Davis Contributors
Grant Stewart Kim Ballantine Adv Tarisai Mchuchu-Macmillan
Dr Shaheda Omar Tracey-Lee Kotzen Bern Bouwer Nishen Naicker Ayanda Tito Bonisile Khabanyane Lenina Rassool Natalie Abrahams
Sponsorship
For sponsorship opportunities in the upcoming editions contact: media@mwi.or.za
2 | Collective Action Magazine
The Collective Action magazine is a unified, yet diversified space and place of sharing and support for those dedicated to the GBVF response.
EDITOR IN CHIEF NOTE FROM THE
Welcome to this inaugural edition of the Collective Action Magazine!
Much has been achieved since the 2018 Presidential Summit to address gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
Following the summit and the subsequent publication of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF-NSP, 2020), a multiplexity of civil society, government, corporate and private stakeholders have coalesced to operationalise and implement the NSP. This magazine serves as a catchment and share point for all the work being conducted across our nation in response to GBV. Here we can showcase various projects and programmes, share learning from both successes and failures, reflect on experiences, improve our practices, and keep one another motivated.
My fervent hope is that the members of the End GBVF Collective use this space to grow and deepen collaborative relationships with each other and expand on the work they are doing in response to GBV. Our struggle is a marathon, not a sprint and we are reminded that "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together
~African Proverb.
Chief Executive Officer Mental Wellness Initiative Tracey-Lee Kotzen
Collective Action Magazine | 3
in this
ISSUE
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE?
08
13
#ENDGBVF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
16
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND COLLABORATION
18
TRAUMA INFORMED APPROACH
22
POETRY CORNER
23
SELF CARE-BURNOUT VS BURN-IN
26
BREAKING THE SILENCE
28
GBV CHILD SURVIVOR INITIATIVE
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in this
ISSUE
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH RAPE - A SOCIAL CONSPIRACY
34
42
#MENTALHEALTHMATTERS
GETTING IT RIGHT - TIPS TO PERFECT YOUR FUNDING STRATEGY
47
3 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOU START YOUR PARTNERSHIP JOURNEY !
50
COLLABORATIVE ETHICS WHEN RESEARCHING VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
52
THE WOMXN SHOW - SMASHING THE SILENCE AROUND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
54
57
GIRL! YOU KNOW I MATTER CONFERENCE
Collective Action Magazine | 5
A call for
The magazine is a platform where the End GBVF Collective can share success stories around collaboration, partnerships, programmes, innovation and personal growth, and lessons learnt
Articles, opinion pieces or personal reflections up to max 750 words Photographs (No depictions of violence in photographs)
Infographics welcome Your full contact details
Relevant to the GBVF response community of practice. Encourage learning and sharing; showcase innovations and successful models/practices
Health - wellness and healing Successful collaborations – great outcomes! Collaboration challenges – what worked, what did not work, what did you learn, how did you grow? Survivor voices – stories of triumph from survivors Research – scholarly and insightful reflections on your research process and findings Innovations - that have moved your work along in a powerful way Other items - that will add richness to the collective
media@mwi.org.za
6 | Collective Action Magazine
Welcome to our very first issue of the Collective Action Magazine which has been enabled by a contribution of stakeholders within the End GBVF Collective - implementing the National Strategic Plan to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF). I was recently watching a talk by Vusi Thembekwayo with Entrepreneurs in Nairobi. Something he said profoundly struck a chord. He was talking about how businesses become big players on a global economic scale. America was one example, their obsession with the bigger vision is what set them apart. Their desire to become the biggest market player, drove them to think big and use the the idea that "there is strength in numbers". In so doing, they created big platforms that united the market into one collective and powerful force. This is the exact vision of this magazine. The issues around GBVF have not only become a chronic plague in South Africa, it’s cause and effects are spread through many tentacles affecting every function of our country. We understand that addressing and solving this problem will be impossible if we do not tackle it together, hence the name “Collective Action”. The vision of Mental Wellness Initiative and End GBVF Collective in establishing this magazine is to enable every role player in the GBVF space to work collaboratively. By starting this publication, we want to hear your voice, understand the work you are doing, learn from you, share ideas and knowledge, share resources, gather and implement solutions and innovations that will #EndGBVF. Each and every stakeholder is integral to this process, and without you there is no collective and no end to GBVF.
Editor’s Note
NOT IN NUMBERS BUT IN UNITY, THAT OUR GREAT STRENGTH LIES.
We look forward to connecting with you and hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Thomas Pane
Hazel Namponya | hazeln@mwi.org.za
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE? Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa makes our country one of the most unsafe places in the world for womxn and children to live. This epidemic is a whole society problem that can only be dealt with through collaborative action between all sectors of society: government, civil society, business, the faith sector and communities. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP on GBVF) is a social policy document that provides a strategic roadmap for a multi-sectoral approach and sets out specific plans on how to journey together to end GBVF. There was extensive consultation around developing the NSP on GBVF which came about after #TheTotalShutdown Intersectional Womxn’s Movement, led 27 marches across South Africa and neighbouring countries on 1 August 2018 and handed over 24 demands to President Ramaphosa. This mass action by womxn from all sectors of society culminated in the first ever Gender Summit on the African continent on 1 & 2 November 2018. GBVF was officially declared a national crisis at the end of March 2019 when the Summit Declaration was published. This was the beginning of the journey toward the National Strategic Plan on GBVF that was signed into effect at the end April 2020. In the absence of a fully legislated GBV Council as envisaged in the NSP on GBVF, a multi-sectoral implementation collaborative, now known as End GBVF Collective, was established to drive the process.
End GBVF Collective is a national volunteer platform that brings together knowledge, skills and resources to build a Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) free society by implementing the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. It is a mutual collaboration between government, civil society, academia and other institutions, development partners, the private sector and individuals dedicated to the prevention of GBVF in South Africa.
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All I am asking is to be safe.
The 6 Pillars of the NSP outline key focus areas with specific outcomes, namely: Accountability, Coordination, and Leadership; Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion; Justice, Safety, and Protection; Response, Care, Support, and Healing; Economic Power; Research and Information Management. End GBVF Collective has self- managed working groups structured around the outcomes of these 6 Pillars with members from government, civil society, business, development agencies, and private citizens planning together to coordinate their efforts toward achieving the outcomes stated in the NSP on GBVF. Participants can join one or more pillars, as well as the communication team, according to their interests and skills. The GBVF NSP 100-Day Challenges An intervention by End GBVF Collective was brilliantly executed in the recently launched GBVF NSP 100-Day Challenges: #impactin100days. A true marvel and proof that we can work together. The purpose of the GBVF NSP 100-Day Challenges was to expedite the localisation of the NSP on GBVF as a response to GBVF by collaborating with local community stakeholders working within the GBVF sector. Ambassadors representing each of the six pillars were selected to champion this initiative which was rolled out in various districts, some of which are known to be GBVF hotspots. These included: Sol Plaatje (Northern Cape), Tshwane (Gauteng), Letaba (Bloemfontein, Free State), Lejweleputswa (Welkom, Free State), Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and Garden Route (Western Cape) At the start of the 100 Day Challenges, the district leaders designed specific challenges and selected The official Day 100 was on 9 July 2022. Whilst everyone recognises this was just the beginning, the fire that was ignited within communities holds a promising future for South Africa when is comes to combating GBVF. contributed to the escalating GBVF crisis. Together they formulated targeted interventions to counter the problems and set targets they aimed to achieve within the 100 Days. This was a resounding success as all teams not only reached their targets, but also gained deeper understanding of the barriers inherent to the GBVF problem and found new ways of working together to #endGBVF. Mentors and teams to participate in a process facilitated by Ambassadors to address identified key systemic problem areas that affected or
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Accountability, Coordination and Leadership PILLAR 1
1 2
Structure of End GBVF Collective and response areas
PILLAR 2
Prevention and Restoration of Social Fabric
3
PILLAR 3
Protection, Safety and Justice
Get to know more about End GBVF Collective, follow us on: Follow us
4
PILLAR 4
Response, Care, Support and Healing
End GBVF Collective @end_GBVF @endgbvf
5 6
PILLAR 5
Economic Power
End GBVF Collective
End GBVF Collective
Research and Information Systems PILLAR 6
Learn more at:
www.gbvf.org.za
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Systems for consensus building, mutual accountability, solidarity and affirming all partner contributions. Managing resourcing and funding.
COMMUNICATION
One Voice Newsletter Social Media Platforms Website
CO-ORDINATION AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
Collective Action Magazine | 11
1-2 November 2022
PRESIDENTIAL GBVF SUMMIT 2
" Accountability, Acceleration and Amplification"
"South Africa holds the shameful distinction of being one of the most unsafe places in the world to be a woman" -President Cyril Ramaphosa
As a pre-runner to the November national summit, local summits will be rolled out in all 9 provinces during September 2022. Heeding this clarion call, we are proud to announce the upcoming Presidential GBVF Summit 2. The purpose of this summit is to monitor the progress of the implementation of the 10 year roadmap towards the eradication of GBVF.
For more information and registration go to www.gbvf.org.za
#EndGBVF
#ENDGBVF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
"Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has officially been a national crisis in South Africa since 2019. Acknowledged to be a whole society problem, a whole society approach is the only way to solve this social catastrophe."
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IMPACT IN 100-DAYS
Where does one start to solve a problem that has been hundreds of years of oppression in the making? The 100-Day Challenge model has successfully been implemented all over the world to solve “unsolvable” problems by creating an enabling environment for intense collaboration, radical creativity, and disciplined execution. It made sense to apply this approach to the GBVF crisis. The GBVF NSP 100-Day Challenges were designed during February 2022 by district leaders and End GBVF Collective Pillar Ambassadors. The halfway mark, referred to as a refueling station, was reached in April 2022. Some teams needed no refueling as the energy of the team was far from depleted. The team in Bloemfontein celebrated that in roughly 50 days they had almost achieved their 100-Day goal; clearing 75% of the cases in maintenance courts – an overambitious goal to start with, by all accounts!
#EndGbvf President Emeritus of RE!NSTITUTE (formerly Rapid Results Institute) by Nadim Matta Activist and Advisor on Good Governance
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Makhamuni Chauke, a social worker who was part of the Pillar 1 team in Sol Plaatje Municipality, stated at the refueling station that "this work is all about love". She was loving the work, her colleagues and the impact they were seeing and experiencing. There is a buzz in the air! Many organisations working on GBVF issues are reaching out to End GBVF Collective to find out how they can organise their own 100-Day Challenges: “Where can we get some guidance? How do we start?" asks one of the social workers. It is a pivotal moment in the trajectory of this work in South Africa. If carefully managed, this work could grow and transform the way society tackles the GBVF pandemic, or it can potentially fizzle out as the momentum of this short-term strategy declines, producing a far lower impact than intended. A moment that stands out for me in two decades of social impact work, is the 100-Day Challenge that took place in Nicaragua. This was the first time I was asked by a team leader at the World Bank to introduce the 100-Day
The hall went dead silent as the farmer gathered his thoughts: he stood up and said, “I have been a farmer for the past 40 years, and my father was a farmer before me. Over the years, many from the Government and all kinds of other agencies came to give us advice and tell us what we needed to do to improve our productivity. This is the first time someone asked me what I wanted to do!” I carry this moment with me in all 100-Day Challenge work. It is a reminder of the power that can be unleashed when those closest to problems feel the agency to solve these problems. The hardest, yet most-gratifying part of 100-Day Challenges is creating the conditions that enable people closest to the problem to genuinely feel the urgency, and to feel trusted, seen and respected. Many of us feel disenfranchised in our work, We get used to being told what to do. Finding our voice is liberating and the greater task of the 100-Day Challenges was to help each person involved find their voice which in turn creates an enabling environment for workers in this space to keenly champion their initiatives, and even go the extra mile. As Makhamuni says, "This work is about love”. As we move into the next phase, we need to keep this principle in mind: to ensure that these projects do not become empty shells, with the form of 100-Day Challenges but without a soul. After the review and impact assessment of the 100 Day Challenge has been successfully completed, the hope is that we can collectively create strategies for scaling this which may include a new approach to the 100-Day Challenges, peer learning laboratories, policy forums, training for ambassadors and leaders, and national campaigns that will mobilise local teams in every local district and municipality of South Africa. "What makes it so powerful as a catalyst for collaboration, a platform for trying new ideas, building for persistence and a conduit that reignites love and passion for the work?"
Challenge at their annual World Bank agriculture project where six 100-Day
Challenges were launched. They were hugely successful. We gathered 100 days after the launch to hear the teams describe what they had achieved and what they had learnt. An old farmer, who was one of the team members, was sitting at the back of the room. It was a large hall with more than 100 people. Others were sharing their testimonials however the farmer remained quiet. I recall his straw hat, the occasional glint in his eye, and the hint of a smile on his weathered face. On an impulse, I turned to the farmer, and I said: “You have been very quiet. We would love to get your perspective on the last 100 days”. “It is worth pausing and reflecting on the essence of 100-Day Challenges."
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GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND COLLABORATION
By Professor Corné Davis University of Johannesburg
The topic of gender-based violence has received much more attention over recent years following a number of catalytic cases and events that sparked a public outcry in South Africa in particular, but also globally, with specific reference to the Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein cases. The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the already precarious challenges faced by GBV stakeholders in South Africa, particularly those of the victims. In spite of the publication of the NSP on GBVF and the subsequent establishment of the six pillar working groups as part of the strategic plan to end GBVF, media reports reveal troubling statistics. One of the most alarming figures is that of 934 children who gave birth, some as young as 10 and 11 years old, soon after the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions. The staggering picture painted by this figure makes it evident that significant progress in successfully intervening in GBV and particularly violence against children and child rape has not yet been made.
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There is strength in numbers
Other concerning statistics are shown on the South African Depression and Anxiety Group website and the World Happiness Index (2022), where South Africa is placed at 101, painting an even more grim picture of the probable extent and scope of GBV’s impact on all stakeholders. The call for a strategic shift in thinking and action is clearer than ever. In 2020, the Department of Strategic Communication at the University of Johannesburg partnered with the Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI) and their GBVF #ITSNOTOK movement to engage with two key stakeholder groups, private sector leaders and employees, who had not previously been included in GBV research. Conversations were held with CEOs and directors of 73 private sector organisations in South Africa to determine, 1) the level of awareness of GBV in South Africa; 2) gather their views on where the topic of GBV should be placed within the business framework; 3) what employees expect their employers to do about GBV as it also affects employees; and 4)what strategies they would put into place to address GBV in line with the NSP. A second stream in this research project targeted employees, and conducted a survey across sectors in South Africa to assess: the level of awareness of GBV, its prevalence in its various forms, their opinion about the drivers of GBV and recommendations on how GBV should be addressed by the private sector. Findings of this study will be released on 11 August 2022 and will include an update on the cost of GBV to South Africa by leading health economist Prof Koustuv Dalal from Mid-Sweden University.
In a summary, we are all stakeholders in the issue of GBV globally. In spite of all the work that has been done, intimate partner violence, child rape and domestic violence are prevalent among all socio-economic groups in South Africa and most cases are never reported to police. Some of the challenges that inhibit the work of ending GBV are systematic. There are numerous reports on the inefficiency of the South African Police Service, irregularities and ineptitude at South African courts resulting in shockingly low conviction rates and insufficient support services available to victims. The need for education of both perpetrators and victims and for support structures at all levels cannot be ignored. Against this background, the importance of communication and collaboration cannot be overemphasized.
To date, most GBV research has been conducted from a public health perspective and is largely informed by the work done by various NGOs. While findings and data on GBV is available on multiple websites the information that reaches the public in South Africa is typically contained in news reports on femicide, child rape and intimate partner violence. To be more effective, dissemination of information such as emergency call lines/hotlines, support services for both victims and perpetrators need be accessible on far more platforms. If we are to break the generational cycle of abuse, education on topics such as online GBV, as published by Gender Links and the University of Pretoria in their report titled Understanding Online Gender- based Violence in Southern Africa (2022), needs to start as early as primary school.
“Let us join forces and collaborate and apply all GBV work and research towards finding solutions and funding that will enable us to a change in South Africa. We can do this together!” Prof C Davis
Corné Davis (D Litt et Phil) Associate Professor of Strategic Communication at the University of Johannesburg
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How to develop a trauma informed approach to social development
By Grant Stewart R-Cubed
The contextual reality of the past, present, and anticipated future, in South Africa, tells us that trauma is woven into the fabric of our society. Trauma can be defined as the subjective experience of loss, threat, powerlessness and exclusion that results in a negative change in how we view ourselves, our relationship to others, and our place in the world. This calls for a trauma- informed response that cuts across multi-layered systems. Being trauma-informed is not an intervention, neither is it counselling. It is a lens that foregrounds trauma as we look at people and the world, to make sense of what is happening. It is not only about individuals but also about transforming culture, creating environments that are safe, maintaining dignity and allowing people to flourish, whilst they talk about their trauma from their own perspective.
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We view being trauma-informed as containing five elements that are key to this approach, regardless of the environment.
Realise 01
We need to realise the extent to which the toxicity of stress, trauma and exclusion exists. Often our understanding of trauma is narrow and largely based on recent events, using Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as our reference point. However, when we broaden it and see that trauma is historical, collective, individual and ongoing; it runs across generations, families, communities, cultures and nations, we realise that trauma lies at the root of so many of our social problems. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) has revealed how widespread trauma or toxic stress is amongst individuals and the effect this can have on adult health and functioning
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03 04
Recognise 02
Re-Intergrate
Resist
ACES draws attention to how childhood adversity can affect the whole of adult functioning, which points to the second element of being trauma- informed, that we need to recognise the ubiquitous effects of stress and trauma in all systems from individuals to a broader society. This entails recognising the impact of trauma on the brain, body, and relationships, affecting how we respond, both to ourselves and those around us. A lack of understanding means that often we respond to many of the social issues inappropriately.
Resist re-traumatisation. We want to, as far as possible, be able to prevent the unnecessary repetition of toxic stressors. We therefore must prioritise our own self- care and wellness, by managing our own trauma and stress. By minimising or denying these kinds of effects on ourselves we run the risk of hurting ourselves and others in the long run, be it our children, family, or colleagues. Furthermore, avoiding the unintentional, excluding and dehumanizing of others also means having to consider the power dynamics of race, gender, and sexual orientation. This lies beyond our values and beliefs and requirements, especially those in power, to deal with the implicit biases in ourselves as well as within institutional and organisational structures
This understanding and approach must be re- integrated into our lives and organisations, our daily practices, programmes and policies. "Going through these steps helps to build a deeper holistic understanding of the effects of toxic stress and inter- generational trauma, bringing an awareness of human rights, building positive resilience individually and collectively. Ultimately transforming the
culture of that environment."
This definition was crafted by and is used by Restore Reconnect Rebuild Pty Ltd (R-Cubed). It is based on the work of Dr Arlene Benjamin, Ph.D. (former Director of R-Cubed) https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html
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R-cubed is a social enterprise with a unique contextually-grounded understanding of trauma and resilience working to build positive, emotional climates for individuals, organisations, companies and communities. We embrace a trauma-informed lens to assist those we work with, enabling them to effectively respond to challenges in a way that helps to Restore hope RECONNECT RELATIONSHIPS Rebuild a vibrant environment A social enterprise The primary objective of a social enterprise is to address social problems, blending the best of non-profit and for-profit organisations. Operating off a ‘no loss, no dividends’ motto, profits are thus secondary used to ensure that the skills and talents people bring are valued and to maximise the social impact. In this way a social business is not reliant on grants or donations. Why trauma-informed In our society trauma and violence is experienced very directly in a range of different ways. Experiencing
trauma such as violence, loss, exclusion and powerlessness over time does not only affect
individuals as it changes how we feel, think and behave but can also have a broader effect on the culture of an organisation. Where people experience trauma collectively, this can give rise to an environment where people feel dehumanised and disrespected, and further result in burnout and low productivity. In order for an individual, organisation or community to maintain a standard of resilience and optimal care for self, staff, clients and/or residents a trauma-informed approach needs to be adhered. Through working deeply to transform environments of conflict and violence, families, communities, schools and organisations can achieve sustained and measurable change where they incorporate a trauma- informed culture and practice. R-cubed believes that through implementing trauma-informed principles and practices, it promotes environments which are respectful, safe, cohesive and resilient. This ultimately can significantly reduce the generational cycles of violence which exists globally across multiple systems. Dream R-Cubed has a dream of a peace-filled and democratic society with individuals, organisations and communities flourishing in all areas of life and relationships. To achieve that dream, the cycles of intergenerational trauma must be disrupted and safe, connected and collaborative places and spaces rebuilt.
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POETRY CORNER
HUSH Tracey Kotzen
Don’t let me tell you who your husband really is Hush! Pretend to be asleep, that’s him coming up the stairs. Shhhh…. breathe softly Don’t let him know that you really are awake Don’t let him see you move or blink Hush… please don’t tell my mother how I got this bruise. Don’t tell her how this man can use his shoes- She says one smack, one kick is not abuse Roses bloom across your face scattered freely from forehead to chin. Blossoming in crimson shades, and turning slowly to colours a rose has never been, Purple - Blue - Green
Interview with the Poet
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a sexual abuse survivor so it's little wonder that I am also a lifelong activist for healing and social justice. Once upon a time I was a trauma counsellor but now, through Gods grace, I look after the Mental Wellness Initiative and I'm back at school doing a Masters degree in social impact assessment. I have one husband, two sons and two dogs.
What inspired this poem?
I have not directly been a victim of domestic violence in my intimate relationships but I did grow up in a household where it happened frequently and severely. As a child I'd often wonder why my mom remained in that situation and this poem reflects some of my speculation on what may have been happening for her. She always seemed to be in conflict with different parts of her belief system. Just to note that we have no mystery babies in the family! I used that as a metaphor for all the things we try and protect inside ourselves as womxn.
Hush, don’t tell him that’s not his baby in that bed. Last June I sought solace with another man instead. Don’t tell him that the baby’s isn’t his Please…. Keep my secrets, please don’t tell
If he knew he would unleash all the hounds of hell. Ripe fruit in sunset shades would grow and swell. We never must tell.
Be quiet now. Go away, Tiptoe softly. Close the door gently. Hush, Don’t tell me who my husband really is
What do you hope to achieve by sharing your poetry?
I would like other womxn to be encouraged to find creative ways to express themselves. I found writing and other creative outlets very helpful for my own healing; and, of course to be reminded that they (we) are not alone.
Mascara and some lipstick- That’s him coming up the stairs.
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SELF CARE
On Wednesday the 23rd of June 2022, masks were officially dropped. Chatting to friends and colleagues I was interested to hear how vulnerable and ‘weird’ people felt without them and how much of an adjustment it was going to be. Others commented that adjusting to ‘normal’ again would be challenging and that they were feeling burnt out and exhausted. What does normal look like? I don’t even like going out anymore,” one colleague said. I immediately wondered if they were struggling with burnout or if this was in fact burn-in, a concept described by Professor Grobbler at the University of Pretoria during Lockdown (1). Burnout vs Burn-in. What is the difference and how is it impacting the people we work with? by Kim Ballantine COO of Camber Coaching and Industrial Psychologist Burnout is a term many who work in helping professions are aware of. It almost comes with the territory as some wear it as a ‘badge’ indicating how committed they are to bringing about change, while others feel ashamed and refuse to acknowledge it’s impact. As a psychologist and coach, living with a specialist physician working with Covid- 19 patients, I know how easily burnout happens and how intentional you must be to change its trajectory, or risk ending up in a cycle of perpetual burnout. WHAT IS BURN OUT?
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH BURN OUT?
INDENTIFYING THE ROOT CAUSE Dealing with burnout, we recommend a few steps, but also acknowledge that seeing a doctor, a coach or psychologist may be essential in overcoming severe burnout. Firstly, take a step back and try to identify the root cause of the problem.
Using the 5 Why’s technique helped me identify the root cause of my own burnout. It looked something like this.
Why have I ended up burnt out?
Why don’t you say no?
I put other people’s needs before my own.
I’ve overworked myself
Why do you put others’ needs before your own?
Why have I overworked myself?
The need is so great, people are hurting, and I struggle to say no.
Lack of boundaries, especially working online and from home.
HOW DO WE DEAL WITH BURNOUT?
Burnout occurs when there is prolonged or chronic stress and where stress has not been effectively managed. It is characterised by; feelings of energy depletion and exhaustion, a sense of disengagement from work and those around you, cynicism and negativity. A drop in efficacy and productivity and a sense of helplessness and possible depression (2)
FINALLY...
Having identified that I struggled with a lack of boundaries, I could then action this, set specific work hours, hold myself accountable to someone else, and give myself permission to apply my own self-care. Root cause analyses helped me identify that I was fuelling my own burnout in my desire to help others and I had to learn to refer more often, say no and not feel I had to take on every client or project.
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SELF CARE
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH BURN OUT?
R - E – D: Rest, Exercise, Diet Rest, Rest, more Rest is critical to burnout recovery – there is no shortcut to this one. If you are unable to take time off work,
get help setting boundaries and see if you can work half-day for a period. Get to bed earlier and take short naps during the day.
Taking care of myself doesn't mean "me first". It means "me to".
Exercise in small manageable increments. Initially simply focusing on breathing and breath work will help. Make sure to eat healthily, avoiding sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods while drinking more water, and taking a supplement if you need it.
WHAT IS BURN IN? Burn-in is a new term and is a combination of cabin fever, burnout, and fear or uncertainty. During lockdown and progressive waves of Covid-19, cabin fever became part of our reality. It is characterised by feelings of isolation, restlessness, decreased motivation, difficulty in concentrating, irregular sleep patterns, lethargy, distrust of people around you, lack of patience and a persistent sadness or depression.
Connect
With burnout, people disconnect and withdraw, so it is essential to re-connect with a medical professional if you need help to implement their advice
A coach or psychologist to assist you with coping strategies to break the potential cycle of burnout Friends and family that fill your emotional tank Your values, beliefs and spiritual community
Can you relate? I certainly can!
Normally, getting outdoors, establishing a routine, socialising with others and being creative gets rid of cabin fever symptoms. However, with the impact of the pandemic we have been caught in a catch-22. Most of our coping skills have been compromised or eroded. Socialising has been limited and a simple hug has carried the anxiety and risk of exposure. Routines and boundaries have become blurred as individuals work from home. Average screen time has increased with socialisation occurring over zoom or teams and Netflix binging providing entertainment and taking the place of creativity. All this additional digital exposure has fuelled levels of burnout. So many of my coaching clients have resonated with the term burn-in and it has brought a sense of relief knowing that what they are experiencing is real. With the lifting of all restrictions and the return to ‘normal’ burn-in should dissipate, but it is going to take effort to connect, go out, meet at the office and not just on zoom and break from digital coping mechanisms. However, if the symptoms of burnout persist, please reach out for help, it does not suggest a failure of resourcefulness and resilience. This is not the case. You burn out because you care; sometimes just way too much. Perhaps, in this new season, it is time to take care of you. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean ‘me first’. It simply means ‘me too’.
Be Patient
Burnout is cumulative and progressive, recovery is too. It takes time and patience. Everyone responds differently and it is so important that you learn to listen to your body and recover at your own pace (3).
Resources listed in the article: 1.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beware-burn-in-during- lockdown-corporate-mental-health/ https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an- occupational-phenomenon-international-classification- ofdiseases#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBurn%2Dout%20is%20a% 20syndrome,related%20to%20one's%20job%3B%20and https://iliketodabble.com/recovering-from-burnout/ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8418548-taking-care- of-yourself-doesn-t-mean-me-first-it-means
2.
3. 4.
It’s time to say ‘me too’ (4)
Collective Action Magazine | 25
Breaking the silence BREAKING THE PATTERN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES
By Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-Macmillan Executive Director of MOSAIC
Understanding the nature of violence
For centuries, domestic violence, has thrived because of victims as well as witnesses keeping quiet. Yet, in a world where we have access to more modes of communication than ever before, the silence around domestic violence continues. Culture of Silence The culture of silence in families when there is abuse and violence in the home has influenced the way in which communities and the care and justice system responds and reacts to domestic violence. The deafening silence is felt and seen in the slow pace of response to domestic violence. Communities report that the police do not act when domestic violence matters are reported, and families find ways to negotiate violence to keep it within the confines of the household. These actions continue to enable the pattern of domestic violence and entrenches the inter-generational cycle of violence in South Africa and across the world. For many, domestic violence has become the norm. The UCT Children’s Institute and MOSAIC Training Services and Healing Centre recently completed a research study exploring the intersections between violence against women and children. The findings suggest one of the most significant driving factors of violence in the home is the normalized nature of abuse and violence in the family as well as the community that keeps quiet about the violence experienced.
Many families and communities think of violent behaviour as the norm - starting a conversation and educating everyone on what domestic violence is, and how it affects individuals and families, particularly women and children who are the majority of victims, is the first step in shifting the pattern of violence. Domestic violence is not only defined as physical abuse. It also involves emotional and psychological abuse, including intimidation, humiliation, control, isolation, and all other forms of abusive behaviour.
26 | Collective Action Magazine
Breaking the silence Speaking about the abuse and violence in the home is seen as a form of family betrayal. This culture of not speaking out entrenches violence and promotes under-reporting of violence thus indicating that the number of Domestic violence cases reported, is only the tip of the iceberg. Victims of violence need to know they are heard and believed. They need to find someone they trust to talk to, to become survivors of violence. Knowledge is power The next step in breaking the pattern of violence is knowledge. First is understanding ways to break the cycle of violence within relationships, homes and communities, this is done through gender-transformative workshops that build the capacity of individuals and families to build positive, equal, and non-violent relationships. Secondly, know your rights and find the support and courage to stand up for yourself. We must increase rights education linked to practical ways on how to claim those rights when a violation happens in the home and/or family. This means that individuals and communities are empowered with an understanding of their right to dignity, equality and bodily integrity and how they can report and access their rights to care, safety and justice from the system. Changing the pattern The silence itself is a driver of domestic violence. Those who have suffered any form of abuse or violent behaviour at the hands of their partners, household members or family are encouraged to speak out. Breaking the silence could prevent others being victim to the violence, and opens up support networks for the victim, those witnessing the violence and the person inflicting the violence themselves.
One of the widest drivers of violence in the home are harmful gender norms, driven by patriarchy within families leaving most women and children voiceless. To change the pervasive pattern of domestic violence, we need to fully invest in gender-transformative programming at a policy and local implementation level. To end the pattern of violence, the voiceless needs to find their voice. Survivors and witnesses of domestic violence need to be empowered to come forward and speak up in a safe place, where they feel protected and heard. Only then can we start to break the pattern and build on a culture where domestic violence is not the norm.
MOSAIC was established in 1993 in response to high levels of violence against women in South Africa, particularly in the form of domestic violence, and in recognition of the silence that many women suffer unnecessarily, due to either a lack of knowledge of their rights, a lack of confidence to access justice for themselves, or both. MOSAIC's registered head office is in Cape Town, South Africa. The organisation is a community based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to prevent and reduce abuse and domestic violence. This is achieved by providing holistic, integrated services when incidents occur, and supporting clients through the process of healing and rebuilding their lives after a traumatic event.
Access to justice – Psychosocial and legal support provided by court support workers, and psychosocial support from MOSAIC's Sexual Violence Counsellors at Thuthuzela Care Centres Support and Healing – Counselling Services, Support Groups and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights; Engaging Men and Boys - Training and Workshops, Empowerment - Education and Skills Training, Rights Training, Youth GBV Life Skills and Community Dialogues Advocacy and Policy - Advancing rights of women and girls by providing evidence from our services to change the system. Support Groups and Counselling for Men MOSAIC creates an enabling environment through our holistic and integrated five-pillar service model
admin@mosaic.org.za https://mosaic.org.za/
+27(0)21 761 7585 CALL US FOR MORE INFO
Collective Action Magazine | 27
"ALTHOUGH GBV AFFECTS ALL GENDERS AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE, STATISTICS REVEAL THAT WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE THE MAIN VICTIMS." DR OMAR
GBV CHILD SURVIVOR INITIATIVE
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BY DR SHAHEDA OMAR CLINICAL DIRECTOR TEDDY BEAR FOUNDATION
Gender-based violence has become entrenched in our societies, institutions, cultures and religions with profound psychological, social and economic impact on the country. Although GBV affects all genders and society at large, statistics reveal that women and girls are the main victims. Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) is a member of the National Strategic Plan's (NSP) Interim Steering Committee for Gender- Based Violence and Femicide (IGBVF-SC), and has ongoing prevention and support services which fall under Pillar 2 and 4 of the NSP. TBF is leading the implementation of a series of activities to prevent and respond to GBV in child and adolescent populations. In order to strengthen the response to GBV, TBF developed the SAFE - Positive Choices Programme, as a source of primary prevention in the form of informative sessions that are provided at schools and in communities.
"It will take an integrated collaborative approach that includes all players within the space, pulling together resources and will- power to effectively address and combat GBV."
Collective Action Magazine | 29
#ENDGBVF
02
01
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
CHALLENGES
Through the School SAFE outreach programme, TBF has run several campaigns which have confirmed, through information and data collected, that socio-economic factors play a huge role in creating conflict within family groups. These factors, such as loss of household income, lack of education or food and proper shelter, necessitate an approach which meets the basic needs of the child before therapy could begin. Men are regarded as providers within the family, however when men do not fulfil this requirement they feel stressed, resulting in some men becoming violent towards the woman and children. Densely populated environments with shared ablution facilities tend to have a higher rate of GBV. Observations made show that many undocumented and refugee children do not attend school, therefore their vulnerability places them at greater risk for violence and abuse. The parents of these children are often unemployed and display manifestations of destructive behaviours like substance abuse.
Reports of widespread experiences of violence serve to normalise GBV to some extent and when coupled with lack of knowledge within a patriarchal culture, places women and children at increased risk in communities. Of equal concern is the community’s negative experiences with law enforcement including lack of timeous responses, judgmental response, lack of sensitivity and poor co-operation in opening cases. Victims have reported being turned away when attempting to open cases. Some of the women during GBV campaigns mentioned that they are frightened to report any form of abuse in fear for their lives. Some men threatened women by saying that even if they go and open a case, the reported cases go away without them having to face the law. Most women are unable to report cases of abuse because the abuser is the sole breadwinner. It would make them economically more vulnerable if their abusive partners were arrested therefore they do not report. Some victims state that they want to protect their marriage and respect their cultures, asserting that issues such as GBVF need to be resolved within the family and not exposed within the community where they will be exposed to criticism, humiliation and ridicule.
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03 IMPACT In our awareness campaigns, including the School SAFE programme we have noticed Because of this exclusion, many men refrain from attending GVBF initiatives, resulting in a lack of knowledge, low access to support, and perpetuation of the abuse cycle. an increase in the sense of personal agency displayed by participants. Increased knowledge and awareness are contributing to a sense of empowerment, which is evoking a willingness from the people to stop GBV within their communities. A man mentioned that “it is sad, as men are also exposed to violence from partners, but are not being listened to, hence the reporting from them is very low." Generally, male attendance in GBV campaigns is much lower when compared to female attendance. Males have indicated that they are being targeted by campaign organisers and are viewed or classified as the perpetrators rather than seen potentially as victims too. “The aim of the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) is to address the intersection between violence against children and violence against women whilst also addressing the intergenerational cycle of violence. Where there is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) there is a high or strong possibility of the co-occurrence of child abuse.”
Collective Action Magazine | 31
TIPS FOR CHILD VICTIM CENTRED ORGANISATIONS
Critical success factors for working with child GBV victims When dealing with child survivors of GBV, it is important to abide by the following ethical principles.
WITHIN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS
Dealing with child survivors of GBV is highly sensitive and much care and consideration needs to be taken into account when working in this environment. From TBF’s vast experience, there have been lessons learnt which have become success factors in dealing with children. Here are some tips for organisations wanting to have an impact in this sector.
CONFIDENTIALITY Child survivors of GBV should be assured of confidentiality and its limitations. Some information has to be shared with some authorities competent to intervene.
RESPECT, DIGNITY, NON-DISCRIMINATION, NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE, UNIQUENESS
INCLUSIVITY
Understand that schools are not a homogenous community. They are multicultural communities with diverse beliefs and languages and it is therefore key to be inclusive and sensitive in your approach. It is important to know the school culture and preferred language respect all religions and remain neutral.
Child survivors need to be treated with respect irrespective of their circumstances and their stories. There should be no discrimination based on gender, race, culture, or religion. Each child is unique and there should never be judgement on what they were doing or where they were when the violation took place. TOUCHING Survivors of GBV may not feel comfortable when they are touched. It is important to ask them if it is okay before proceeding. Any nudge, touch, hug or shaking hands – one needs to check first – as it may be perceived as intrusive.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Always consider the developmental ages of the
ALTERNATIVE CARE
children. Reassure children that there is no right or wrong answer. Treat all children equally and with respect, it will motivate them to engage and interact.
Children are removed from the care of offending caretakers in the event of them being at risk of further abuse. If they are found to be at risk and removed, one needs to look at next of kin before foster care or institutional care. Focus must always be on “the best interests of the child”.
EXPRESSION
Learn from the children by allowing children to express and verbalise, giving the voiceless a platform where they can be heard. In this way issues that affect them could be shared and addressed.
RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION
Social workers must respect their client’s autonomy and decision making, provided it does not cause them any harm.
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