A woman pleads with the government to help save her from her abuser

The pandemic didn't just have effects on our economy, our lifestyles, or our physical and mental health; it also heightened the state of violence that has been occurring in many households. 

Sadly, just as we ended off our observation of 16 days of activism, there isn't a start and end date to gender based violence and abusive relationships. And this comes with the knowledge of a video that has been circulating on Twitter, a video that left us shook...

Read more: WATCH: TikTok hand gestures that indicate domestic violence helps save 16-year-old

Watch the video below, courtesy of Twitter:

Read more: 16 Days of Activism: Petition to get govt to address GBV

There are many victims out there who are scared for their lives, in a state of depletion unable to stand up for themselves and take action against their abusers. And the reasons could take on various forms, but to to watch someone who has the courage to do something and then feel unsupported...

Now that is a whole other situation...The truth is that sometimes it's not just about physical abuse, it is the mental abuse that comes along with it. The fear for your life, the fear for your loved ones lives, the feeling of not being protected or supported. 

Read more: "We have failed to stand up for our boys and men that also suffer abuse and mental health issues"

The perpetuation of violence can come by standing on the sidelines and not saying anything, it can also come from taking action in the wrong way. The aftermath can be so damning, and this video of this woman, isn't a clip of a movie scene, or an act to go viral, it is a real story that was shared because of her fear of death...

If you are in a violent or abusive relationship, remember abuse isn't just physical, you can take the reigns of your life back. No one should ever take away your power to protect yourself, and there are organisations that can help you. 

You can seek help from the Department of Social Development, check out their website here. There are also several Non-governmental organisations that can offer you help. The Daily Vox put together a concise breakdown of these organisations in each province, check it our here. 

If you know anyone who is in an abusive situation, remember that wanting to help them is all well and good, but make sure to approach it in a sensitive way, with trained assistance. Stay safe this festive season...

Image Courtesy of Twitter