We are approaching the season many dread

THIS is an extremely busy time of year; the final push before the summer holiday season sets in and a welldeserved rest can be enjoyed.

Right now, the matric exams are being written and in fact the educational year for all grades is nearing completion.

Companies and businesses are trying to maximise any possible income opportunities at the close of a tough business year.

It’s also a period for yearend functions, prize-giving and award dinners, where the efforts of the year can be acknowledged.

But November – yes, it’s hard to believe that another year is nearly over – is also a time of dangers and warnings on the near horizon.

Seasonal crime will increase, so too will vehicle accidents and drownings; and as most of the population starts to wind down, so will other sectors be preparing to step up their activities.

Among these, November will see the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign for no violence against women and children, and those who work in the space of this scourge will be hoping that, perhaps this year, we will see an improvement in terms of lower abuse cases.

It seems hardly likely, given the increasing financial pressures that are often the catalyst for abusive behaviour, as well as the seasonal increase in alcohol consumption.

But ‘16 Days’ organisers cannot allow themselves to be discouraged by the apparent failure over the years to halt or even slow down the cycle of abuse.

By definition, ‘abuse’ is any form of behaviour that causes fear, bodily harm or emotional hurt; forces another person to do things against their will, or leads to the absence of normal human rights, such as denying food or medical care.

Generally, it is committed by those who have power, authority and control over others, be it physical, financial or emotional.

Such abusive behaviour is normally repetitive and cyclical, and it generally wears down the victim even to the point of that person’s self-image being so belittled that one feels unworthy, or somehow feels guilty or blames oneself for ‘deserving’ to be abused.

Of course, children are most likely to be ill-treated in this way, being totally dependent on the abusive provider. (An often overlooked fact is that the abuse can start even before the child is born, owing to drugs and alcohol harming the foetus).

Our message is:

To the 16 Days campaigners – don’t be disheartened, keep on preaching the anti-abuse message and offering hope.

To victims – walk out of the situation, via helping organisations such as Child Welfare, Sanca, LifeLine,

SAPS and the courts.

To all of us – speak out against what you see, and support organisations engaged in the issue, either financially or through volunteering.