SEE: A simple act to empower victims of domestic violence

According to our national calendar, the month of August is dedicated to appreciating the woman in our lives. When considering our statistics of gender-based violence, it seems we find ourselves in a state of emergency rather than a state of celebration. On average, 110 South African women are raped and 56 murdered on a daily basis. Femicide is a social ill that plagues our country; our body count isn’t a far cry from the fatalities war torn countries experience. This year, online retailer Faithful to Nature is partnering with Mosaic, a community-based organization that combats domestic violence. For the month of August, a portion of the sales on all women’s products will be donated to the organization to help raise R100,000 for the much-needed renovations of the survivor safe space in Wynberg, Cape Town.

Not only are we donating money raised to help with the renovation of the much-needed survivor center in Wynberg, but we will also have an easy click-through tab on our website to the MOSAIC’s Facebook Page for Faithful customers who may immediate assistance.” says Dr Kerry Haarhoff, community manager of Faithful to Nature.

While there are various shelters and domestic abuse hotlines dedicated to servicing the dire need for help, victims can become lost in the chasm of casualties because asylum centers are overwhelmed, poorly staffed or terribly funded. Women and children’s lives literally depend on the interventions of organizations such as MOSAIC. Not only do Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan, Executive Director of MOSAIC, and her team offer high response services, they support victims through healing too. “MOSAIC exists to empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse by ensuring that they become positive, and active drivers of change in their own lives,” Tarisai shares.

Personal development enables vulnerable women and children to recognize that they shouldn’t feel forced to return to violent spaces; they are liberated to explore other options.

Established in 1993, the NPO has focused its efforts on tackling the nature of abuse. Founder, Rolene Miller, noticed that many victims were suffering in silence. Whether out of shame, or fear of consequence, too many women were internalizing their trauma. MOSAIC has been dedicating their efforts and resources to piecing ‘broken’ women back together ever since.

Learning and unlearning behaviors is an imperative aspect of the healing process. Tarisai explains that, “MOSAIC strives to change attitudes about gender norms, creating a culture in which women and girls are respected as full human beings.”

Wouldn’t it be great to see a generation of girls raised without the threat of violence or sexual assault? “MOSAIC aims to provide services that will improve the way the survivor sees themselves, how they relate to others, and how they see their future,” Tarisai says. This goal is within our reach if we commit to financially supporting organizations such as MOSAIC, as well as doing our own part to ensure that the nature of abuse ends.

MOSAIC’s team of social workers and community workers have helped over 100 000 women in distress over the past 25 years. The community workers share with their abused clients, similar backgrounds, stories and language and the training provided by MOSAIC to change their lives for the better. They work tirelessly to provide high quality, integrated services for these survivors of abuse and domestic violence.

Dr Haarhoff concludes “COVID-19 has touched all of our lives in South Africa, but we must be mindful that facing the greatest risk are the most vulnerable, including women experiencing abuse. We know that fighting for equality and supporting those less fortunate than us shouldn’t be limited to once a year, but it’s a good place to start and a useful reminder to everyone that the fight is not yet won. If you have been thinking about supporting issues pertaining to violence against women, Faithful to Nature has made it easy for you to make a meaningful contribution in the simplest way.”

Visit www.faithtonature.co.za for more information, the MOSAIC campaign runs from 1 – 30 August 2020.