UCKG's 'Break the Silence. End the Violence' campaign

On Saturday, 24 November, to mark the start of the annual international 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children (25 November - 10 December), 4 000 people marched peacefully through the streets of Johannesburg as part of the "Break the Silence. End the Violence" campaign. This is the fourth consecutive year that Women in Action (WiA), the Youth Power Group and members of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) have marched through major centres, including Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth creating awareness of abuse.

Sending a message to victims that they do not need to suffer in silence but can start the healing process through speaking about their situation, the women carried banners saying, "No to abuse; I am not your punching bag, Stand up now and We will make a difference in our nation."

In the Cenacle of Faith in Johannesburg, 4 500 people watched a powerful presentation about abuse which highlighted the prevalence of this social scourge which can take many forms including physical violence, verbal, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse.

Guest speakers, Boogie Dlamini, from Women and Men Against Child Abuse, encouraged everyone to take responsibility by reporting abuse rather than turning a blind eye. Florence Tshikudo from the South African Police Services said that cases of abuse are treated with sensitivity and confidentially.

Tragically most victims know their perpetrators. They may be family members, people in authority at work or friends. The victim has no safe place and feels forced to suffer in silence. Responding to this, WiA founded the Save a Tamar project which offers regular on-going counselling and support for victims helping them overcome the trauma and journey towards becoming survivors of abuse.

During the 16 Days of Activism, trained counsellors are available every day at 25 Plein Street, Johannesburg and will visit different venues offering guidance, understanding and support helping victims to make a life-changing choice and begin the healing journey.

For further information, please contact Nametso Mofokeng at the church's public relations department on 011 224 3400 or email pr@uckg.org.za.