16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE

#BluePurpleBlack, a hard-hitting multi-national campaign that runs over the 16 Days of Activism, is evocative of the most intimate symbol of abuse – the Bruise.

The Bruise represents the different types of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, economic, intimidation, stalking, damage to property, isolation, irrational behaviour and bullying – all "bruises".

#BluePurpleBlack aims to create broadscale awareness around the chronic and devastating issue of abuse, as well as educate society on its different forms. Our mission is to help alleviate the sense of shame and 'aloneness' experienced by victims, encouraging them to seek help - while simultaneously telling those guilty of abuse to recognise and change their own behaviour.

WHAT IS ABUSE?

There is a common misconception that abuse is always physical and/or violent. While physical abuse is definitely one form, there are many others; sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, economic, intimidation, stalking, damage to property, isolation, irrational behaviour and bullying are also forms of abuse.

Over the 16 Days, we will be identifying the different types of abuse, as well as the associated behaviours, such as criticism. You will find this in our gallery.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU IS BEING ABUSED

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you're hesitating—telling yourself that it's none of your business, you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it—keep in mind that expressing your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life.

Talk to the person in private and let him or her know that you’re concerned. Point out the things you’ve noticed that make you worried. Tell the person that you're there, whenever he or she feels ready to talk. Reassure the person that you'll keep whatever is said between the two of you, and let him or her know that you’ll help in any way you can. Remember, abusers are very good at controlling and manipulating their victims. People who have been emotionally abused or battered are depressed, drained, scared, ashamed, and confused. They need help to get out, yet they’ve often been isolated from their family and friends. By picking up on the warning signs and offering support, you can help them escape an abusive situation and begin healing.

DO'S & DON'TS

  • DO
    • Ask if something is wrong
    • Express concern
    • Listen and validate
    • Offer help
    • Support his or her decisions
  • DON'T
    • Wait for him or her to come to you
    • Judge or blame
    • Pressure him or her
    • Give advice
    • Place conditions on your support

Important Numbers:

Crime Stop: 0860010111

Lifeline: 0861322322

Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800150150

Or contact one of the campaign partners

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN #BLUEPURPLEBLACK?

  • Like our Facebook page @reevasteenkampfoundation
  • Like our Instagram account @reevasteenkampfoundation
  • Paint your nails, lips or hair or dress in the campaign colours: BLUE, PURPLE or BLACK
  • Post your selfies to your or your company’s social media pages, (Instagram and Facebook) using the campaign hashtag #bluepurpleblack
  • Raise funds for the Foundation by donating.
  • Twitter: Join us on 8 December as we and other organisations, partner with the United Nations 16-Day initiative by tweeting the #bluepurpleblack
  • Register as an Individual
  • Register as a Company

CAMPAIGN SUPPORT

Empowering Women and Children against Violence and Abuse

VISION STATEMENT

The Foundation strives to be Reeva’s voice and continue her work in educating and empowering women and children against Violence and Abuse.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation strives to be Reeva’s voice and continue her work:

  • to educate the world against the abuse of women and children
  • to educate women of their self-worth and right to a safe environment
  • to inform victims of abuse of the resources available to them and
  • to empower these women through education and skills development to become self-supporting

ABOUT RRSF

June Steenkamp, Reeva's mother, has taken over the baton from Reeva to continue the work Reeva had started.
The REEVA REBECCA STEENKAMP FOUNDATION was registered in November 2015. June is trying to raise awareness of the horrific statistics of violence and abuse against women and children not only in South Africa, but around the world, by using her voice to educate and speak against abuse of women and children, as Reeva had done.

WHAT WE DO

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

What is domestic violence?

  • The following can be regarded as domestic violence:
    • sexual abuse (whether you are married to the other person or not);
    • physical abuse or assault (for example, slapping, biting, kicking, and threats of physical violence);
    • damage to property or anything you value;
    • stalking (when the other person follows or approaches you or your children repeatedly);
    • economic abuse, that is, when the other person keeps money to which you are legally entitled from you in an unreasonable manner by
      • refusing to pay or share the rent or mortgage bond for the home you share; or
      • disposing of any property (household goods) in which you have interest, without your permission;
      • emotional abuse (that is, degrading or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats);
      • any other controlling or abusive behaviour which poses a threat to your safety, health or well-being.

What are my options if I am being abused?

  • You have the right to – apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or
  • magistrate's court; or
  • lay a criminal charge at the police station and apply for a protection order.

What is a protection order?

It is an order issued by a court at your request, ordering a person with whom you have or had a domestic relationship, to stop the abuse. It may also prevent the person from getting help from any other person to commit such acts. An interim protection order can also be issued at any time of the day or night for your protection.

Who can apply for a protection order?

Any victim of domestic violence. Children, and if they are too young, a parent or guardian, or any person acting on behalf of someone who is responsible for them, but with their permission. A police official.

Commitment of SAPS to victims of domestic violence

It is the commitment of the SAPS to treat victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.

  • As police officials.-
    • we will treat victims with respect and protect your dignity;
    • listen to what victims have to say;
    • not insult or blame or suggest that it was their own fault that they were abused;
    • assist you with empathy and care;
    • inform victims of their rights and options.
  • To ensure that this has been done.-
    • we will ask victims to sign the Occurrence Book at the police station;
    • provide victims with a notice in a language they understand, and explain how they should proceed;
    • make an effort to find someone to speak to the victim in the language he/she understands;
    • take a victim’s statement in privacy and not in the presence of the abuser or the public;
    • decide on the basis of your statement, whether to arrest the abuser and take his/her firearm, as well as determine the victim’s needs and how to assist him/her;
    • serve a protection order on the person against whom it was made, as directed by the court;
    • keep a copy of the protection order and record every arrest made as proof for victims;
    • note your complaint in the Incident Register at the station as further proof that you reported the matter.
    • This will also enable us to give a report on the progress in your case.

At the scene of the incident

Locate the complaint and take reasonable steps to protect the complainant from any further danger. Create an environment that is conducive to communicate. Obtain statements from the complainant and witness(es). If there is reason to believe that an act of violence has been committed, the respondent must be arrested immediately without a warrant. Search the premises and seize (for safekeeping) any firearms and/or dangerous weapons in the possession of the person who has either threatened to kill or injure another person. We will also do this if we are satisfied that the offender’s mental state, inclination towards violence and/or dependence on alcohol or drugs could influence his/her behaviour and pose a threat to anyone.

What other assistance will the SAPS provide?

  • We will, where possible, help you find access to -
    • medical attention;
    • shelter; and
    • victim counselling.
  • We will inform you of -
    • the support services that are available in the area;
    • alternative shelters if available;
    • counselling services, if required;
    • medical assistance;
    • free services that are available; and
    • the time of day these services are available.

We will ensure that a medical officer collects and records any medical evidence in support of a criminal charge.

We will go with you to your home when you need to collect personal belongings, if this is provided for in a protection order that has been issued.

What can I do if a police member fails to fulfil this commitment?

Should a police officer fail to carry out this commitment, you can report the matter to the station commissioner at the relevant police station. The complaint will be noted in a complaints register, stating the name of the member concerned, the date on which the complaint is lodged, and the details of the complaint. The station commissioner will take disciplinary steps against the member involved. The Police Service will also refer the complaint to the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) for their recommendations. If you are not satisfied with the way in which a station commissioner is dealing with your complaint, you may personally report the matter to the ICD. We will send monthly reports on your complaint(s) against police members to the SAPS Head Office.

What can I do if an abuser disobeys a protection order?

Phone the South African Police Service. Thereafter a statement will be taken from you. Provide the police with the warrant of arrest you received together with the protection order (if you have lost it, apply at the court for another one). If you are in immediate danger the abuser will be arrested, otherwise the abuser will be given a notice to appear in court the next day.

Have a crisis plan ready

Identify places where you can use a telephone quickly and easily. Always carry a list of emergency numbers with you. Make sure that the people you usually visit, have a copy of the protection order and/or warrant of arrest. Put some money in a safe place so that you can take a taxi or bus in case of an emergency. Have an extra set of keys for the house or car. If possible, have a set of clothes for yourself (and your children) packed in a bag, and keep it in a safe place (for example, at a neighbour's house). If you are planning to leave, leave when your partner is not around, and take your children with you. Make sure that you are in possession of essential documents like IDs, your medical aid card, and your savings/credit card.

"Remember you are special and the world is yours to enjoy. Everyone has the right to feel loved and safe."" Reeva Steenkamp

RRSF EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS

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Reeva Renaissance Runway

To honour and bring awareness to the worldwide '16 Days of Activism 2017' campaign, together with our partners below, we are hosting the REEVA RENAISSANCE RUNWAY
Book your seat

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Empowerment Breakfast

Please join us for an empowerment breakfast in aid of the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation for abused women and children at the beautiful Balalaika Sandton.
Read more

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Empowerment Breakfast

Please join us for an empowerment breakfast to celebrate Reeva's birthday on Woman's day at Summerstrand Hotel, Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth.
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Empower & Embrace Breakfast

A breakfast in aid of The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation for abused women & children held at the Atlantic Beach Hotel on 13 May 2017. Guest appearance by Mr SA (Habib Noorbhai) & a self-empowerment demonstration ....
Read more

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16 Days of Activism 2016

Standing Strong Against Abuse carries a strong message of standing strong together against abuse. We give victims the voices that they do not have.
Read more

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1000Women

To honour Reeva’s memory The 1000Women1Voice luncheon hosted by the 1000 Women’s Trust in Durban will be a very special event this year, as it will be held in collaboration with the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation that was launched two months ago...read more

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Launch in PE

Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, officially launched in PE on the 19th of August on what would have been Reeva’s 33rd birthday. The launch was celebrated with the announcement of the foundations trustees and the appointment of Kim Martin as the foundations CEO.

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Australia

June was invited to Australia where she addressed various audiences in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

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Ireland

Invited to Ireland to raise awareness, talk about the Foundation and her book Reeva - A mother's story.

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16 days of activism

As part of the nationwide 16 days of activism against woman and child abuse June initiated a march on the Port Elizabeth beach and joined hands with other parents whose daughters had been killed: Michelle and Derrick Inggs (Parents of Jade Panayiotou) and Freddie Sithole (Father of daughter Tshepiso).

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St Dominic

Educating the Youth at St Dominic's school, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, alma mater of Reeva, honouring Reeva’s memory by reading the speech Reeva was going to give at a school in Johannesburg, on the day she died.

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Sydenham Retirement Home

Guest speaker at high tea held by charity organization Lions of St Croix, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to raise funds for Sydenham Retirement Home.

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SHINE - New Zealand

June was invited to New Zealand as guest speaker and spokesperson for a charity called SHINE, a charity organization who assists victims of abuse, where she helped raise money for the organisation.

CONTACT DETAILS

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