By: Poelano Malema
Year after year, gender-based violence dominates the news.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in three women globally, around 736-million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner.
Abuse knows no race, age or gender and it can happen to anyone.
South African media personality Mohale Motaung has taken to social media to slam perpetrators of abuse.
The 27-year-old says abusers like to make their victims seem like they are crazy.
“Abusers and making it look like you are the crazy one when they know exactly what they do to you behind closed doors,” he wrote.
READ: Mohale Motaung gives back to children in disadvantaged communities and schools
Abusers and making it look like you are the crazy one when they know exactly what they do to you behind closed doors. 🤝🤝🤝
— Mohale Motaung (@mohale_motaung) May 9, 2021
Marriage counsellor Gerrie Pretorius, the founder of Lifecounsel, says abusers might act like they are doing nothing wrong. He says the intention is to keep the victim in the abuse.
“The abuser does everything he can to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing has happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time,” he says.
There are several organisations that help victims of abuse. Get in touch with Lifecounsel, POWA, ToughLove or TraumaSupportSA if you need help.
Image courtesy of Instagram/ @mohale_77
