Call not to ignore emotional toll GBV takes on children

Youth GBV activist, Courtney Gelderblom, says when addressing gender-based violence, the emotional toll the scourge takes on children who witness these violent acts must not be ignored.

Her remarks come as the country observes 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

Gelderblom believes that the voices and experiences of children must be amplified instead of being overlooked.

The young activist also noted that due to fears of discomfort, adults are failing to have honest and open conversations with their children about rape and other forms of sexual violence.

She believes this approach only contributes to the culture of shame and isolation that often accompanies sexual violence.

Gelderblom has advocated for an end to the culture of keeping children in the dark.

“Actually, talking to kids, having an assembly and looking them directly in the eyes, that’s what’s needed,” she said.

“There’s just no support in our schools,” she added.

Gelderblom has called on schools and communities to stop downplaying incidents of GBV to children and instead teach them to be voices for change.

The call was made at the launch of Survivor-Centered Summit and Training Programme in Johannesburg.

The initiative, spearheaded by a local beauty brand and the Tears Foundation, aims to equip first GBV responders with the skills necessary to provide compassionate and responsible care.

It follows a damning Public Protector Report, which was released in June and highlighted several administrative challenges that hinder victims’ access to support.

These included complicated incident reporting processes and prolonged investigations that, in many cases, re-traumatised victims.

Activist and gender-based violence survivor, Ingrid Lotze, says engaging perpetrators is crucial to ending the cycle of violence against women.

Lotze says she endured extreme abuse during her first marriage and is also calling for an end to the culture of shame and silence surrounding domestic violence.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the summit, Lotze emphasised the need for compassion and the re-education of perpetrators. She stressed that GBV is not solely the problem of survivors but a collective challenge that requires a community-wide response.