"IF your boyfriend is using you as a punching bag, that's a clear sign of an abusive and unhealthy relationship."
This was the warning from a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV), Fiola Guss, to the residents of Katlehong in Ekurhuleni.
Speaking at the GBV Awareness Campaign held at Tamaho Creche in Mandela, Katlehong on Saturday, 16 March, Fiola said women should not ignore the signs of abuse.
The 44-year-old mother of three said she was abused by her boyfriend in 2018 and he assaulted her in front of everyone.
The event was organised by Phinda Mzala Production through a musical theatre to warn residents about GBV.
"The old notion that women think it's okay for their boyfriends and partners to beat them in the name of love needs to stop. We have buried women who were allegedly killed by their partners just because they didn't want to report the matter to the police," Fiola said.
She said women must seek help or leave their abusive partners before it's too late.
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"There are organisations and centres that take care of women and children who have been abused. I had to run away from home with my three children to stay at the centre because I was tired of being physically and emotionally abused," Fiola said.She said she opened the assault case, and the boyfriend was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2023.
Another woman (29), who survived GBV, said she was abused by her ex-boyfriend and her in-laws.
"I was physically abused and assaulted in front of my three children. I thought he'd stop, but the situation got worse and worse. To make matters worse, the in-laws also emotionally abused me and called me names," the woman said.
The woman, who burst into tears, said she doesn't have the means to support her children because she's unemployed.
"I'd rather starve to death with my children than stay in an abusive relationship," she said.
Phinda Mzala Production managing director David Mahlaba said the play is about combating GBV in the community.
"The play displaces GBV that has been happening in our society. Most of us see and hear what women experience on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we have always turned a blind eye to it. We need to raise our voices and make sure that women who are abused get help," said Mahlaba.
He said they'll use the play to raise awareness about GBV across Gauteng.
