A local non-profit organisation (NPO) recently hosted a high tea to raise funds to set up a safe house for survivors of domestic violence in the Helderberg area.
This is according to Elna Taljaard, founder of the NPO Abigail’s Haven, which provides support for domestic violence and abuse survivors.
The high tea and bottomless gin fundraiser was hosted at the Thirsty Scarecrow in Stellenbosch on 28 May, and was attended by more than 50 supporters. SMF news was in attendance.
With the funds raised “the plan is to have a safe house set up as well as a skills development centre”, said Taljaard.
“The idea for opening a safe house for domestic violence victims was born from my own story,” said Elna Taljaard, founder of Abigail’s Haven, a non-profit organisation providing support for domestic violence and abuse survivors. “I’ve always known that I want to work with women who come from a similar background,” she said. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Funding struggles
“With awareness campaigns such as this we make very little money,” said Taljaard. All profits raised by Abigail’s Haven“go towards fuel, food and electricity for those who have left abusive homes, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back”, said Taljaard.
Funding NPO’s like Abigail’s Haven is essential in South Africa, said Tersia Botha, one of events’ attendees. “Having a safe space to go to and knowing you are not going to be judged is the first step towards healing,” she said. “I am here so hopefully we can help somebody.”
Abigail’s Haven supports domestic abuse survivors mentally, emotionally, physically and financially, said Tersia Botha, one of the attendees of a recent fundraiser event hosted to raise funds for a safe house in the Helderberg area. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Raising awareness
Funds are used to get survivors access to the necessary legal aid and medical assistance they require, said Taljaard. The main aim for the recent fundraiser, however, was to raise awareness of the organisation’s #1thing campaign, she said.
The #1thing campaign aims to educate individuals that the fight against domestic abuse starts with direct collective action, said Taljaard. “Every individual act of kindness, or ‘one thing’ adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities,” she stated.
It is essential to create awareness from a young age, “so that when you do get into [an abusive] relationship you know where you can go, who you can contact, and that you can get out”, said Anita Van Eyssen, an attendee of the event.
Increased awareness will teach people to identify the red flags, and that “if it happens once, it will happen again,” said Van Eyssen.
“Hopefully we can help somebody in need, and help a person carry on with the next chapter of their life without being scared and afraid,” stated Anita van Eyssen, an attendee of an event in support of domestic violence and abuse survivors. More than 50 people attended the event to raise funds for a safe house in the Helderberg area. PHOTO: Emma Solomon