Listen: The Attorney who aims to break the silence against abuse
After suffering abuse as a child and in her marriage, Durban-based attorney Karen Botha managed to use what happened to her to fuel her passion, and help fellow survivors.
Listen to Karen's interview with Jane, or read the details under the podcast.
25 November to 10 December 2018 marks 16 Days of Activism against women and child abuse, and many organisations, including East Coast Radio, are calling for an end to abuse.
One particular woman who aims to break the silence amongst women who have been abused is a Durban-based Karen Botha, who was admitted as an Attorney just before the age of 45.
READ: 16 Days of Activism: Nine ways to get involved
Karen is spearheading a social justice movement called 'Break The Silence', a cause whose aim is, according to their Facebook page: "To offer online support to women who are victims of domestic violence and to those who are perpetrators of domestic violence and wish to seek help."
The cause is very near and dear to Karen, who has been a victim of abuse since the age of five.
During her interview with Jane, she speaks about how she was sexually abused, bullied, and even had a teacher who was preparing to sexually groom her.
She only began to deal with the trauma of the abuse in her 30's, but thankfully she met someone who changed her life, and prompted her to become an attorney to fight for the victims of domestic violence.
I always wanted to do something for women
Karen has now opened her own law firm and is also running various support groups.
An upcoming 'Break The Silence' picnic will be taking place on the 2nd of December at Shongweni Club, which will be used to highlight the seriousness of domestic violence in South Africa. Our very own Jane Linley-Thomas will be the MC for the day.
All proceeds from the picnic will go to the Jess Foord Foundation, which will be used to assist victims of domestic violence.
The event starts at 11:00am and the entry fee is R20 per person.
For more info on the event, call 079 603 9080, or email [email protected].
Let's put an end to the abuse and help #BreakTheSilence.
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