Women’s stories
On this page we hope to have some of the stories of women who pass through the Centre, as well as their own writings. For a start, here are two letters from ex-residents: A letter of thanks to Saartjie Baartman Centre staff from Zeenat (not her real name), a shelter resident: I hereby wish to
Children’s Corner
Risk Benefit Solutions Easter Party For the last two years, one of our most loyal supporters, Risk Benefit Solutions, has given an Easter party to the children in the Shelter. Apart from the fun of searching for Easter eggs – and of course eating them – the children have been entertained and fascinated by the
Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project centrally involves women and children who write or paint onto T-shirts testimony of their direct experiences of violence and abuse. This national project employs the metaphor of “hanging out society’s dirty laundry”, and the public disclosure of abuse is often therapeutic for those who choose to do so. This collaboration between the
Digital Diaries Project
The Saartjie Baartman Centre undertook a pilot digital diaries project during the period August – December 2010 with seed funding provided by Take Back the Tech Small Grants. Internationally known film maker Shelley Barry was contracted as facilitator and Irma Maharaj coordinated the project. The process entailed weekly training and recording workshops for the duration
Protection orders “just a piece of paper”
The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children has raised concern around a disregard for protection orders, “these are put in place for a very real and valid reason, yet all to often there is little value attached to the order. In some instances law enforcement officials are not equipped to deal with a protection
Gender based violence at an all time high
On an average day in South Africa, three women will die at the hands of her intimate partner. This single act of violence will alter the course of so many lives; the children, the families, the perpetrator and the victim whose death was entirely avoidable. Violence against women cuts across all socio-economic and demographic classes;
Children caught in the crossfire
The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children has raised concern around escalating levels of violence against children. Based in Manenberg on the Cape Flats, the Centre attributes the increased levels of violence towards an increase in violence in general, with children being caught in the crosswire – be it gang related or domestic violence.
SBCWC shares substance abuse concerns
Saartjie Baartman Centre grappling with substance abuse concerns The Saartjie Baartman Centre has seen a dramatic increase in women with substance dependency issues seeking assistance at the Centre. “Currently about 80% of the women who come to the Centre as a result of gender based violence, test positive for drugs,” says Shaheema McLeod, Director of
Steps to leave an abusive relationship
A necessary exit – steps to leave an abusive relationship Planning a safe exit from an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Putting the emotional trauma of leaving an abusive relationship aside, legally, a number of steps need to be taken to ensure long-term safety; protection orders, divorce settlements and maintenance payments, will
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in the spotlight
09 September 2014 – World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day is held each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month (09.09am on the 09th of 09). An estimated 25 000 babies are born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa, this is the highest reported incidence
