#16Days16Fails - Raising Awareness of Systemic Failures Day: 1/16

#16Days16Fails is a collection of stories by women from around the country who have accessed systems designed to deal with GBV and experienced systemic failures and secondary victimization. We'll be posting a story a day for the next 16 days to shine the spotlight and raise awareness on systemic failures to adequately assist victims of violence.

STORY 1/16: PROTECTION ORDERS

“I obtained a Protection Order in 2011, and he contravened it. We went through the entire court process, only for him to be let off the hook. I stayed in the marriage thinking it would get better but it only got worse. In 2017, he knocked me unconscious and this was the final straw. I filed for divorce. 

I had to apply for a second protection order because, apparently, after 10 years the previous one lapses. After to and fro in the domestic violence court, a new protection order was issued - which he contravened that same night. I opened a case and the police forcefully removed his belongings. The next day - he assaulted me. I had to do a J43, charges of assault were added. No arrest was made, as I was told my and my children’s lives were not in danger. I later found out he bribed the police!

I was not going to give up and kept fighting. The case was finally enrolled at court and after my postponements, the trial began. My perseverance and faith paid off and the magistrate found him guilty. Sentencing is due within the next few weeks after a probation officer report is submitted.”  - Anonymous. 

16Days16Fails is an initiative by Lenina Rassool and Felicity Guest to shine the spotlight on systemic failures in cases of violence against women and children. All the stories are real experiences by women who have interacted with systems designed to address issues of GBV and child protection.  #16daysofactivism #justice #GBV #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndViolenceAgainstChildren