It is as if the South African women and girls are under siege. Gender based violence escalates and escalates. Awareness campaigns do nothing to stop the aggressors or perpetrators, but thankfully result in more and more women coming forward, reporting cases of domestic violence, gender-based attacks, sexual assault, rape and child abuse.
The Kamesh Victim Support Centre, situated on the premises of the Kamesh Police Station, has for the past six years fulfilled a major role in the post-counselling and referring of victims of the aforementioned crimes.
The voluntary lay counsellors, who all have completed accredited training, are passionate about the rights of victims. They do not judge, they help, educate victims about their rights, refer them to professionals and give them hope for a better future. They encourage women to go through with court procedures especially when it comes to protection orders.
Merlin Alkenstead (59) who was gunned down together with her friend Isaac Moses (63) at their home in Middle Street, Kabah, Kariega, on Monday, 16 April was one the Kamesh Victim Support Centre’s clients prior to her death.
“She was raped. Several times by the same perpetrator. She came to us, and we referred her to the police to open a case. She did that and then also went to the Department of Social Development. Unfortunately, during the early hours of the day she was supposed to go to court she was killed,” said Lulama Mase, Kamesh Victim Support Centre’s Project Manager.
According to police information, the motive for the shootings is under investigation.
Nolutho Menta, a Fieldworker at the Centre said, “Many people need help, but they do not know where to go and then keep it to themselves, which is not helping the victim nor society. We are here to support victims to follow the legal processes which will hopefully lead to perpetrators being arrested, sentenced and removed from society.”
According to Mase, the occurrence of domestic violence is high in the area as a result of alcohol and drug abuse as well as the high unemployment rate.
Some of the other services offered by the Kamesh Victim Support Centre include information about how to go about maintenance and child support. They also refer women who are victims of abuse to the Department of Social Development, who accordingly then place them in the battered women’s shelter, a place of temporary protection and support for women escaping domestic violence. They also visit schools on request to talk about drug abuse and bullying.
The Kamesh Victim Support Centre hosted a candlelight memorial service in honour of Merlin Alkenstead. It was held at her home in Middle Street and attended by family members, the police, community policing forum, Monique Haven and various other stakeholders that co-operate with the Centre.
Donations of sanitary pads, toiletries, food needed
The Kamesh Victim Support Centre is in dire need of sanitary pads, toiletries for women, non-perishable food for victims (and food for babies), soft toys for children who are victims of domestic violence and rape.
Kamesh Victim Support Centre is open during weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00.
- For further information contact 041 988 7072 or 041 988 7029.
