BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI– Victims of gender-based violence who are hesitant to report abuse or are considering withdrawing cases are being referred for counselling to help them understand their circumstances and make informed decisions.
Speaking during an interview on the Kusile Breakfast Show, Gcina Dlamini of the Domestic Violence Department said counselling is used to assist victims who were reluctant to report abuse or wants to withdraw cases.
Dlamini said victims could face pressure before or after reporting, including threats from alleged perpetrators, discouragement from relatives and concerns about the effect of cases on their families.
He said financial dependence could also influence decisions to report, particularly when the alleged perpetrator was the household breadwinner. “Reporting this case is not just about you. It’s also about the law, and society,” Dlamini said.
Counselling gives victims an opportunity to consider their circumstances and understand the wider implications of reporting abuse. Dlamini said under-reporting remained one of the challenges faced by the department, with some families encouraging victims to settle cases at home instead of reporting them.
Some victims who initially reported cases later returned wanting to withdraw them, which could affect the progress of investigations and court proceedings when complainants became unwilling to cooperate. Dlamini said victims could also reconsider their decisions because of concerns about the possible consequences for their families.
He also said some are worried about the alleged perpetrator losing employment, particularly where the person was responsible for supporting the household, while others were concerned about the welfare of children when the accused was their father.
“Some victims were also pressured by perpetrators, partners or relatives to abandon cases” he said. Dlamini stressed that reporting remained important because cases that proceed through the justice system could result in consequences for perpetrators and contribute to deterrence.
Failure to report abuse could create a perception among perpetrators that they would not face consequences for their actions, potentially allowing abuse to continue. He also added that said the department therefore continued to support hesitant victims through counselling, helping them examine their circumstances and understand the broader implications of reporting gender-based violence.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #GenderBasedViolence #GBVAwareness #VictimSupport #Justice #Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
