Let’s end domestic killings now

THERE is a rampant rise in domestic killings yet again: Another day, another death. We have seen this before, and we cannot remain silent, we need to find a solution.

The most recent case is of a 22-year-old woman who poisoned her 16-month-old child after a fight with her boyfriend. When has taking a life become a solution? What has got us here?

This is similar to last week when we heard of a 19-year-old boy killing his 22-year-old girlfriend after suspecting her of cheating.

When has our society changed to allow us to dictate the life span of the next person? As one business leader once profoundly said, ‘tsine labanye sike saganwa, saliwa kepha zange sesishaye umuntfu noma simbulale. Wena sotenta nkulunkulu kutsi ukhona kwati lilanga lemuntfu lekufa?’ loosely translated as ‘Some of us have dated, and we have been jilted, but we have never killed or beaten up the person who dumped or cheated on us. Who has made you God to have the power of knowing when a person would die?”

There have been loud calls for gender-based violence (GBV) to be declared a national disaster, and the calls could not be more relevant than now.

The basis or motivation behind the calls was that once something is declared a national disaster, all efforts by the county are put towards finding solutions for that disaster. We can safely say that GBV is a national disaster.

While we keep reading headlines about people in remote areas around Eswatini, the fact does not change that these people are in some way related to one of us, and we cannot turn a blind eye because a murder happened in Mahlabatsini and not in Mbabane. We need not wait until someone is killed in a posh suburb in a domestic case, for us to then strengthen measures around the killings.

COMPREHENSIVE

Already, we should be seeing a lot of press releases and videos condemning these killings. One writer would always say, ‘One death is already one too many.’ We now need a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of domestic violence.

It will also require collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community organisations, and individuals. We need an action plan against GBV.

Domestic violence is a silent yet loud epidemic. It is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes, including gender inequality, cultural norms, economic disparities and lack of awareness.

The fear of stigma, retaliation and cultural pressures often prevent survivors from seeking help, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue unabated.

Statistics on domestic violence in Eswatini can be scarce, as many cases go unreported.

However, available data, including cases we read in the papers, paint a disturbing picture, with women and children bearing the brunt of the violence. The psychological, physical and emotional scars inflicted on survivors are immeasurable.

SURVIVORS

We may also need to host a week-long GBV Indaba. This will give a voice from the front line. It’s crucial to amplify the voices of survivors, activists and experts to shed light on the issue.

Their first-hand accounts can inspire empathy, raise awareness, and galvanise action.

This would include survivor‘s stories. It would be good to share the stories of women who have overcome adversity, highlighting their resilience and inspiring hope. Then, we need to rope in expert’s insights. This would include interviewing psychologists, sociologists and legal experts to provide an indepth analysis of the problem and potential solutions. Also, we need activist’s perspectives. We need to showcase the work of organisations and individuals dedicated to ending domestic violence, highlighting their achievements and challenges.

We have seen FNB Eswatini stand up and be counted among institutions that want to provide tangible support to the fight against GBV.

As part of its Gender Diversity and Inclusion Programme, which aims to foster gender equality and inclusivity within Eswatini communities, the FNB Eswatini Foundation extended its support to Swatini Action Group Against Abuse last month.

RESPONSE

The funding, which amounts to E944 000, seeks to intensify the foundation’s response to GBV. It was reported that the contribution will assist SWAGAA with providing debriefing sessions for staff, medical and legal support for survivors and cover operational costs for emergency responses, including the toll-free helpline.

FNB has stepped up because, at the end of the day, the institution operates within the community, and if our communities face a challenge, we need help. Imagine if, say, 50 other companies donated to the fight against GBV?

The people who consider killing as a solution to their problems, are also people who are taking advantage of the fact that police cannot be everywhere all the time. This is where capacitating community police comes in. In one year, the Eswatini Electricity Company donated handcuffs, whistles and other gear to community police in a crime-riddled area. Within a few months, the crime had subsided. Even today, we rarely read of the gruesome killings we heard of before the donation.

That is just one example, but together, we can do more.

Individuals can also play a crucial role in stopping domestic killings within their communities.

By challenging harmful gender norms and promoting equality, we can create a foundation for healthier relationships.

Recognising the signs of domestic violence and offering support to survivors without judgment is essential.

Encouraging open dialogue about relationships and healthy conflict resolution within families and social circles can foster a culture of respect.

Additionally, volunteering for or supporting organisations working to end domestic violence can create a safer community for all.

Remember, every individual has the power to make a difference, and by working together, we can build a society free from domestic violence.

We also need to hear more voices against these domestic killings. We need campaigns that can also see deejays in packed venues stopping the music and reminding the people partying that killing is not a solution and rather they must speak out.

We need the church to also speak out more on how we can use religion to find solutions to our deepest pains.

With all that said though, killing or even beating a person is not and can never be a solution. We need an end to GBV killings. But to end that, it starts with you and me.