Paula Quinsee: Together We Can Stop and Eradicate Abuse

Together We Can Stop and Eradicate Abuse

Thursday 11 February 2021: 10am – 12pm

Content Focus Area: Futureshock: How has the workplace changed in unforeseen ways?

Presentation Abstract: “In South Africa, one-in-five women is reported to be a victim of domestic violence or abuse at some point in her life – this is amongst the highest incidences anywhere in the world.

According to a 2014 study by KPMG, gender-based violence (GBV) costs SA between R28.4bn and R42.4bn a year — or between 0.9% and 1.3% of GDP annually, which is, sadly, in line with global GBV estimates.

If we want to address and eradicate abuse then it needs to be a holistic approach championed in the home, by Government and in organisations and it needs to address both perpetrators and victims. If there were no perpetrators, we would not have victims.
COVID has definitely highlighted the abuse and worsened the circumstances victims find themselves in but the fact is this abuse has been ongoing for decades. The difference is that now as a result of Covid, the home has become the workplace and it is not only a domestic issue but a corporate issue. Employers have a duty to ensure a healthy and safe working environment for their employees i.t.o of OHSA which includes an environment free of harassment, bullying and abuse.
It’s a complex situation to be in as where do the responsibilities lie, with the employee and their home situation, or the employers requirement that they work from home? What resources do employees and employers have in place to support employees to be able to operate in a safe working environment?”
Together we are stronger and can stop abuse if we really want to but, it is going to take courage to stand up and say no more, this needs to stop whether you are a perpetrator, victim or active citizen.

What’s your choice?”

Learning Objectives:

1. Identifying what is and what is not acceptable behaviour or abusive behaviour,

2. Communicating what is and what is not acceptable behaviour,

3. Holding people accountable for their actions (Govt, communities and organisations).

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