Coping with past trauma and finding hope

Gender-based violence impact stories

 
 

E3’s gender-based violence programme is helping leaders change lives and give abuse survivors a voice in our partner communities.

Sexual and gender-based violence is a huge issue in the communities where E3 partners serve. The situation has worsened following COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, with victims of abuse being trapped with their attackers and situations escalating.

E3 and our partners, in eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe, will be touching thousands of lives as we develop our advocacy work, taking a stand against sexual and gender-based violence, helping communities change and challenge behaviour, and supporting those who are affected.

Here are some stories about how people have escaped abuse, received the support they need and found hope for the future…

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“I have just finished my 3rd year of Cost and Management Accounting at university. E3 paid my registration fees and I have a government bursary. I use the perfume-making skills I learned at Abrina Esther House to make and sell perfume to help with my living costs. I think I am doing well on my course because I have a couple of distinctions. I’d like to explain my deepest gratitude. I wouldn’t be where I am without your help. Thank you for opening doors, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for changing my life.”

Anna came to Abrina Esther House having suffered terrible abuse and the support she has received has helped her rebuild her life. AEH is a safe haven for women affected by domestic abuse in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

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Rebecca lived in a very abusive relationship and was deeply traumatised by all that she had experienced. She found support, healing and renewal at Abrina Esther House.

She now has an office cleaning job and E3 pays her college fees so she can study Tailoring. She is achieving high grades on her course and looks forward to working as a tailor.

The card pictured here was made by one of the ladies at Abrina Esther House to say thank you for E3’s support.

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Vicky has benefitted hugely from Lulisandla Kumntwana’s counselling for victims of abuse and trauma.

“I was 9 when I was raped by my brother’s friend. It was so traumatising, I can still see it even now. Then it was my step-father when I was 11. He did whatever he wanted with me for about three years. When I told my family, they didn’t believe me. My mum said her husband wouldn’t do that. So I kept quiet. I thought if I told anyone else they wouldn’t believe me, which killed me inside. I took it as if I was not wanted. I was depressed and I felt like I was in my own jail. I started doing prostitution and drugs to distract me from what happened. After a couple of years, I stopped doing those things because I realised I would destroy my future.”

At Lulisandla Kumntwana, Vicky had a number of therapeutic sessions and play therapy with a counsellor … “The sessions helped. I found closure. I knew that it wasn’t my fault and I learnt that I have to live with it. I don’t have to get distracted, I just have to face it.”

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Peter’s main carer is his grandmother. He has never met his father and was abused by his uncle as a young boy. The extra support through the Back to School Life Skills programme is helping him cope with past experiences and grow in confidence. His teacher says: “Peter is a hard worker and progressed so well in Grade 2. He achieved 94% in IsiZulu, 93% in Maths, 91% in English and 85% in Life Skills.” What amazing results!

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