GBV survivor opens up about being shunned by family

GBV survivor, Tebogo Brown, says while her journey in pursuit of justice has been lonely and long – she won’t stop.

She says the justice she seeks is not just for her but her children as well.

The young mother of two say her fight for justice has come at a cost as her family has shunned her after she defied their advice for her to persevere, saying “every man is like that.”

Family members from her partner’s side, on the other hand, have either denied or downplayed the abuse, which, she says, has been incredibly painful and frustrating.

Brown recently took to TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZMrTv4HrN/ to share videos of how her partner of 12 years abused her and allegedly told her only death would separate them. He has, allegedly, also threatened to kill their children.

Speaking to YNews, Brown has bemoaned the police’s lack of tact when dealing with GBV cases.

She says while some of them were helpful, others were dismissive.

According to Brown, this for her exposed the need for more police training and education as part of continuous efforts to address the complexities of abuse.

The 30-year-old is urging women, who might be in abusive relationships, to recognise the signs of abuse and seek help.

She also hopes that her speaking out about her ordeal will contribute to a broader conversation about the complexities of abuse and the ways in which families, friends and colleagues can support survivors.

Brown says, upon reflection, she’s realised that while their romance started off smoothly, despite him being older than her, she sees how he manipulated her.

Brown says the abuse escalated from emotional manipulation to physical violence.

She felt increasingly isolated and trapped.

TW: Abuse, SA, SA of a minor.

Please read @TebogoBrown_’s story.
She has been let down by the system and her family.
Her children have seen and experienced things no-one should ever have to see.
August is over and nothing has been done.
We await SAPS response.#JusticeForTebogo pic.twitter.com/phO1DzF5vI

— ling (@_BeingNaledi) August 30, 2024

The GBV survivor’s candid conversation with YNews came as South Africa wraps Women’s Month, which is aimed at celebrating women as agents of change and social transformation.

It also allows the country to reflect on achievements made to ensure their emancipation and challenges that remain to support their holistic development, which includes mental and physical well-being.