MHM Magazine

40 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 6 | 2021 MHM SADAG has over 160 Support Groups around the country that deal with all manner of mental health related issues, as well as Support Groups specifically for family members and loved ones. SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more. It’s a sad fact that a large portion of women in our society have at some point been the victim of gender- based violence. People tend to believe that once a traumatic incident has ended and the initial effects have worn off, life continues as it once did, but the truth is far more complicated and long-lasting. This month’s featured group is the Women’s Support Group: dealing with GBV and the effects thereof hosted by Renee Peltzer. For women who have experienced gender-based violence there are, all too often, no clear paths toward receiving sufficient support and in- turn starting on a path to recovery. As a result of this many women remain silent and suffer in isolation. Renee’s group was created to meet just that need. It’s a safe and confidential space where women can speak their truths and find unconditional support after and even during on-going incidents of gender-based violence. Some words from Renee: How important are Support Groups for people during these difficult times? There is nothing worse than living in fear and feeling completely lost and alone. Not everyone has a strong support structure, and often many are too embarrassed or exhausted to have to explain what is wrong or the pain they’re going through. Many are afraid they will be judged, and therefore rather remain silent when they’re in fact desperate for someone just to listen and support them – not necessarily to give advice, but rather support and understanding. It makes such a difference to be in a sup- port group with others experiencing or having experienced something similar as there’s more empathy and understanding, and sometimes you just want to listen and not feel alone, and other times you may feel they’re ready to share, and these are the per- fect groups to do both without fear. Why a need for this type of support: For a long while now I have been feel- ing I need to support women experi- encing Gender Based Violence. I’ve felt that something good has to come out of the terrible experience we’ve had, and what better than to support other women; to make them feel that they’re not alone, no matter what they choose. SADAGSUPPORTGROUP WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP DEALING WITH GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND THE EFFECTS THEREOF Gender-based violence resources and helplines 1. People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA): 011 642 4345 (Crisis counselling for survivors of gender-based violence, Telephonic counselling services nationwide) 2. Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150 (Telephonic information, counselling and referrals for survivors of gender-based violence, 24hr helpline) 3. TEARS Foundation: 010 590 5920 (Containment counselling and referral for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse) 4. Rape Crisis: 021 447 9762 (Provide free face to face counselling services for rape survivors in Cape Town & Online services for clients outside of Cape Town) 5. National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA): 0800 001 005 (National 24hr free Shelter helpline) 6. Gender Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC): 0800 428 428 (24 hr Telephonic Counselling helpline and Psychosocial Sup)