After escaping family violence, Limpopo mother struggles to get help for her children

A mother from Limpopo who escaped family violence is struggling to secure help for her four children, according to a recent report by Health-e News. Musina resident Makwanela* explains that she was trapped in a violent household with her children due to a lack of available shelters and unemployment. She eventually moved her children out of the family home once she found employment and rented a home for herself and her children in March of this year.

Despite the relief of leaving the violent environment, Makwanela continues to face challenges in obtaining the necessary support and psychosocial assistance for her children. She has reached out to the Department of Social Development in Musina but has yet to receive a response. Additionally, Limpopo's provincial government acknowledges shortages of social workers and other staff dedicated to serving survivors of gender-based violence.

Makwanela emphasizes the importance of counseling and social support to help children and survivors process the trauma they have experienced and develop healthier coping mechanisms.