More than 2,000 people gathered at UCKG’s Cathedral in Cape Town to take part in the “Save a Tamar” campaign last weekend. This campaign, launched in August by Women in Action, the wives of UCKG pastors, aims to create an awareness of the abuse of women and children by encouraging everyone to speak out when they are abused.
Founder of the WiA, Mrs Marcia Pires, said: “Any abuse, no matter where it comes from, is wrong. Some think of abuse as part of a culture or tradition. This is still not justifiable. Abuse takes someone’ s dignity away.
Images, feelings and thoughts are taunting you since the day it happened. You do not need to live like this. You are a woman of value, of courage and you need to awaken the strength you have inside of you to overcome the ghosts of the past. When you speak out you will be opening the wound all over again. You will feel the shame, the hate, the pain and revulsion again but you will allowing God to come with His spiritual antiseptic to cleanse the wounds. We will help you go over it all and to fi nd healing,” she said.
Jemima Peters from Rape Crisis, encouraged people to support rape victims because of the abuse they had been exposed to and being forced into doing something against their will. She said Cape Town has the second highest number of rapes in South Africa. Funds raised at this event will go to Rape Crisis.
“This event taught me the importance of talking when you are abused and that it is wrong and unacceptable to pretend that all is well just to protect the perpetrator. Seek help from professionals, because keeping quiet doesn’t help at all,” said
Nomakathini from UCKG in Nyanga Airport. Yolisa said: ” I have learnt that talking about whatever problem you are faced with is of utmost importance. I was inspired by the testimony of an abuse victim. It proved that when you talk, you are not only helping yourself but others as well.”
By: Nikiwe Titus, Nomaphelo Qobongo and Somikazi Tyalit
