The Paarl Valley holds a special place in our hearts, and Nation Builder is proud to shine a light on the work of impactful organisations like Athlone House of Strength (AHOS). With August being Women’s Month, we aim to raise awareness around gender-based violence.
Athlone House of Strength (AHOS) provides a safe haven for abused women and children. These women and children come from all walks of life, have endured immense trauma, and need a secure environment to heal before reintegrating into their families and society.
AHOS shared the following heartfelt and transformative story of one of their clients. For sensitivity and protection, we will use an alias, naming the individual Amy.
Amy suffered physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse at the hands of her husband. The abuse occurred daily, to the extent that she sometimes had to sleep outside or seek alternative accommodation to escape. Despite the fear inflicted on her, and thinking about her children, Amy endured.
A turning point for Amy came when a group of women visited the farm where she worked, educating the community about domestic abuse. Inspired and determined not to become another statistic, Amy sought help. In South Africa, a shocking 1 in 5 women experience abuse from their partners.
Amy’s colleagues reached out to AHOS. Although she found herself in a safe environment, she remained fearful and broken due to her trauma. AHOS not only provided Amy with a safe space but also offered structure, emotional and physical care, and support services. This support enabled her to work through her trauma, both from her husband’s abuse and her childhood.
The once-broken individual began to develop into the strongest version of herself. Amy attended every session AHOS offered and started setting goals for her future. She enrolled in and completed a culinary course, striving to continuously uplift herself.
When she was ready, Amy found a job and secured accommodation for herself and her children, away from her abusive husband. With her newfound strength and independence, she filed for divorce and reported her husband to the police after he stalked and threatened her.
Amy refused to let her trauma define her and now lives a beautiful, positive life. With a shifted outlook and perseverance, she found employment at a local store, quickly rising to a managerial role. She now lives in a safe environment with her children and a loving partner.
Through perseverance and determination, Amy transformed from a broken individual into a strong, empowered woman. By seeking help and healing, she has broken free from the shackles of abuse and created a loving and safe environment for herself and her children.
