Children are the invisible victims of femicide: Teddy Bear Clinic
The comments come after the bodies of several women were found in Ekurhuleni in recent weeks.
Dr Shaheeda Omar, the Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic, has identified the hidden victims of femicide in Ekurhuleni as children and their families. The bodies of several women were discovered in recent weeks, prompting Omar to raise awareness about the trauma endured by those left behind. One such case involves Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old woman who went missing after a run in Kempton Park.
Her eight-year-old daughter discovered her daughter's absence and alerted family members, leading to Moselakgomo's body being found days later.
Omar explains that even indirect exposure to violence can have a profound impact on children's well-being. The confusion resulting from witnessing such tragic events can lead to a sense of fear, causing children to perceive the world as unsafe. This trauma can shape their perception of reality and potentially perpetuate the cycle of violence as they grow older.
South Africans are now living in constant fear of becoming victims of such violence. Omar emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional needs of children who are exposed to violence, as their experiences may significantly influence their mental health and future behaviour.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
