Neema Foundation for the Deaf, supported by the GBV Response Fund and several stakeholders, today announced the continuation of its nationwide efforts to address violence, substance abuse, and psychosocial needs in households with Deaf and hard-of-hearing members.
Neema Foundation for the Deaf kickstarts its first series of Family Conflict & Gender-Based Violence workshops in Soshanguve and Soweto, on Saturday, May 4 May and next week 11 May. Attendance is free.
Says Neema Chairperson Ms. Itumeleng Motaung: “In addition to the widespread gender-based violence (GBV) in our society, the Deaf community also suffers other forms of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, and emotional.
“This contributes to the mental health challenges in the Deaf community, necessitating awareness raising and professional help.”
The workshops are a continuation of the successful events implemented in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng since last year.
The workshops feature stakeholders including community leaders, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Thuthuzela Care Centres, South African Police Services, Childline, SANCA, Legal Aid, the GBV Command Centre, and Safer South Africa Foundation.
“These sessions are helpful because they are provided in a language that the Deaf community understands. Information is shared on practical interventions to combat GBV, such as reporting to authorities and conflict resolution techniques,” Ms. Motaung adds.
Additionally, communication barriers exacerbate conflicts within Deaf households and hinder access to help from public institutions and communities. These workshops seek to address these challenges and provide possible solutions.
The Neema Foundation aims to preserve relationships within Deaf communities and promote collaboration with stakeholders to provide preventative and support services. Access to translation and pertinent information is essential to ensuring support and justice for the Deaf community.
Since its inception, Neema Foundation for Deaf has been approached on many occasions to assist with resolving family conflicts between Deaf couples as well as Deaf children and hearing parents.
The workshops will be attended by the members of the Deaf Community in the respective areas, Deaf learners in grades 10-12, their parents and educators.