Speakout this August against Gender Based Violence

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – August is declared Women’s Month in South Africa and it will be filled with celebrations across the southern tip of Africa.

Gender Based Violence is a pandemic that can only be defeated by speaking out. Victims must not die with their mouths shut.

A Kenyan lady, Nyambura Mburu, took to Instagram to share graphic images and an emotional account of the violence she claims to have endured throughout their 13-year marriage. Nyambura revealed details and photos showing visible physical injuries allegedly inflicted by her husband.

The images included a red, bloodshot eye; a swollen lump on the side of her forehead; swollen thighs with bruise marks; redness and bruising under her eye; a broken TV and a destroyed socket; and torn electric cables, which she claimed were used to beat her.

Nyambura poured out her pain in a deeply emotional message, “I was 19 when you met me, you were 9 years older than me. I would have been anything you needed me to be… but instead you made me an abuse survivor. You destroyed me. I didn’t deserve any of it. For 13 years I kept the smile while dying behind closed doors… until one day you kicked my babies out of my womb and they ended in NICU. They survived you too…

This a global fight that needs to be confronted head on and in our effort to help victims this month, we are opening doors for victims to share their stories in our line dedicated for such.

We want to hear from you your experience with the doctors, nurses, perpetrators, families, police, and prosecutors in GBV related matters.

If you have a GBV story please share it with us on speakout@stepupsanews.co.za

Nationally, are now 134 desks in operation and the goal is to have a GBV desk in all police stations countrywide.

Call the 24-hour GBV helpline on 0800 428 428 if you or someone you know needs assistance. You can also SMS HELP to 31531.