South Africa: After Escaping Family Violence, Limpopo Mother Struggles to Get Help for Her Children
[Health-e] Musina mother could not access a shelter while living with family violence. Only after finding a job could she move her children to safety. Research finds high exposure to violence in children's homes.
Makwarela*, a mother from South Africa's Limpopo province, escaped a violent family home after struggling to find shelter for her four children. Unable to afford to leave while unemployed, she eventually moved her children out once she secured employment. The mother, who herself experienced violence during her childhood, is seeking psychosocial support for her children through the Department of Social Development.
Makwarela* explains that her parents divorced when she was six, and she lived with her grandmother before the current violent situation. Her brother, a resident in the extended family home, was known for assaulting her girlfriends and using weapons, causing fear in her children. Research indicates that one in four South African children between five and sixteen years old have experienced family violence, causing emotional distress and mental health difficulties.
Makwarela* has contacted the Department of Social Development for support, but has yet to receive a response.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
