Survivor Escapes Violent Boyfriend

During July, a Survivor and her daughter came to report that their house had been burned down by the Survivor’s boyfriend. The Survivor reported that she had been having terrible fights with her boyfriend who is also the father of her children. She had become scared for her life had ran way with her children as her boyfriend’s anger was out of control. The Survivor explained that she later received a phone call from her neighbour informing her that her house was set on fire by her boyfriend and he was standing outside cursing and holding a firearm. The Survivor rushed home and found her house in flames. She called the police to urgently come and assist her. The Survivor had visible injuries and it was clear that her relationship with the boyfriend had become violent. Whilst at the care room, the Survivor received a call from the school her young daughter attends to tell her that her father was now outside the school gate holding a gun and demanding to see his daughter. The principal arranged to let the young girl out of the school using the back entrance and transport her to her grandmothers house for safety (emergency contact.) Our First Responder reported to the charge office to inform the officers and asked them to please attend to the case and also collect the child. The First Reactor then contacted GRIP’s Ekhaya Shelter Manager and arranged a place for them to stay. The boyfriend was arrested and a case of arson was also opened. GRIP received a call from the local ward Counsellor asking for a GRIP representative to please join them in a meeting about the incident. During this meeting, the Department of Housing Office was contacted and thankfully, the Survivor was assisted with applying for a new house. The local residents donated clothes, food and blankets. At the GRIP shelter, the Survivor and her young daughter are receiving ongoing counselling and psycho-social support. Our Social Aux Worker has spent a lot of time working with the young girl and has reported that her therapy is progressing well. She is continuing with schooling and is now in a safe space with her mother – who is also doing well.