“One in three women worldwide will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime, either physically or emotionally. The aim of the Mercy Bags project is to reach this group of women and offer them a solution through a five-point plan,” says Dinah Bronkhorst, CEO of the CPI SA.
CPI SA, and a few other non-profit organizations, together with singers Corléa and Elzaan van der Merwe of MaMilla Fashions, are hoping to help abused women in this way. The project has been running for several years now.
“Grace is such a beautiful word, but it is also a verb. You can become part of these women’s new beginnings today by filling a good quality second-hand bag, filled with ‘survival items’ and inspiration. It will include a face wash, night and day cream, hair products and a brush, body soap, a washcloth, deodorant (roll-on and spray), hand cream, facial sponges, disposable wipes, Dettol, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, razors, washing powder and sanitaryware,” she explains.
In addition to the essential, personal, and non-perishable items, a woman in this situation needs counselling, medical assistance as well as legal assistance, and in some cases, even an interdict. “Without this emotional and financial assistance, she cannot escape her circumstances or change them,” says Bronkhorst.
At the grassroots level, CPI SA helps to get these bags of grace to victims by visiting homes of safety and involving social workers and other relevant organizations. CPI SA also, due to their involvement in the Mercy Bags project, saw the great need for a home of safety – where abused women can find their feet again. Their dream of opening such a house is on the cards.
Bronkhorst adds that before women can be helped like this, they must first get out of their current circumstances, and some do not know where to start.
“The most important thing is to always make sure that you and your children are safe by drawing up a crisis plan. Take someone into your confidence and make sure that person is listed as an emergency contact on your phone. Emergency numbers are incredibly important to have. Make sure your children know what to do if they are in danger and have important and essential documents such as identity documents, medical cards, and bank cards in your possession.”
She further says that women who intend to leave their partner should do so when he / she is not at home.
“You must never live in fear, you must never accept that what happens to you is your punishment or your fault. It’s so easy to get caught up in this mindset. Always have a list of emergency numbers on hand (also important to remember to keep your phone charged and have a battery charger).”
Important emergency numbers to take note of:
Text the word MERCY to 40112 if you need help
Lifeline: 0861 322 322
Gender Based Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
SAPS emergency number: 10111
Childline: 116
