Shelter for abused women opens in Brackenham
Women shelter for victims of abused and gender based violence to open next month.
THE first women’s shelter for victims of abuse and gender-based violence in the City of uMhlathuze will be officially opened in Brackenham next month.
Situated at the House of Shalom, the new facility was constructed after the temporary shelter operational since 2013 and housed in the property’s hall venue, was closed in March to make way for more suitable premises.
With statistics estimating that one in three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime, the need for a shelter was vital and has been welcomed by the community.
According to Social Worker Thulani Mnyandu, this is is the second shelter to be opened in the Zululand region after one was established in Jozini.
‘This is not a homeless shelter, but will accommodate women from the age of 18 only who are victims of gender violence and social crime.’
‘We have found that victims come in with complex problems and we unearth other issues they face.
‘There is a stringent screening process for victims and we do not allow cellphones for fear of the safety of our women.
‘The new facility will have its own staff and the centre will be operational from the 1 January,’ he said.
The facility has five bedrooms and each room will accommodate two women.
The rooms are equipped with private showers and toilets.
The building construction is complete and the official opening ceremony is scheduled for 4 December.
Sustainability
The House of Shalom also incorporates the Ikhayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre which provides residential care to children found by the children’s court to be in need of care and protection.
The institution has been running for 24 years and continues to serve the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children and women.
Volunteers have a significant role to play within the organisation and Executive Director Saras Govender said they appreciate the support of all volunteers who assist to provide specialised services during the year.
‘We need volunteers who can help with the planning of activities and managing of child care programmes.
‘We also need students, religious groups, business and other volunteers to come forward to assist Ikhayalethu CYCC with activities, the upgrade of our facility and to provide means to obtain needed requirements for the centre’s daily functioning.
Sufficient funding remains a constant challenge.
