The closure of Women’s Month celebrations concluded on a serious note yesterday when the Acting District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso presented a very informative dialogue to women at the Department of Health at Dora Nginza hospital.
The SAPS seized the opportunity to encourage women on domestic violence, Gender Based Violence and women empowerment as education and awareness must be ongoing in order to defeat the scourge of abuse of women. It was pleasing to note that both male and female genders were represented.
The knowledge and insight of Brig Kupiso, stood her in good stead when addressing the serious and sensitive issues surrounding the subject matter.
Brig Kupiso extended her appreciation to the health fraternity during the corona virus pandemic and congratulated them on a sterling job of going the extra mile in saving lives as well as for their endurance.
In her address to health care workers, Brig Kupiso unpacked the issues surrounding domestic violence and encouraged women to take up their rightful place in society as well in their working professions.
In her keynote address, Brig Kupiso highlighted that ‘domestic violence cuts across all spheres and knows no boundaries. It also comes in different forms namely, physical, emotional and financial abuse. Some of the common excuses of victims remaining in abusive relationships are that they stay for financial reasons and for the sake of the children. Never compromise your sanity and safety. No woman should believe that there are no alternatives for getting out of a bad situation. An abused woman needs to realize that she is never responsible for her abuser’s behaviour. You cannot control your partner’s choices – focus on yourself and your recovery. Sometimes, no matter how hard we may try and hope that things will get better in time, they never do. Abusive partners should never hold the key to your heart. Walking away from someone you love is not necessarily the wrong thing, especially if that person disrespects you – the best thing that you can do, is to step away from the relationship before it turns toxic.’
In closing, Brig Kupiso encouraged all women to support each other and unshackle Gender Based Violence in all its ugly forms.
