MY SISTER WAS ABDUCTED and held against her will over the 2008 Christmas period in South Africa. During her ordeal she was locked away, abused, tormented and subjected to a number of other unspeakable actions. Her two daughters were unfortunate to witness a few of these incidents and are still suffering from it. Living in a few different countries across the continents, the family suddenly lost contact with her and could not trace her whereabouts.

I launched a search on Facebook appealing to any one if they knew of her whereabouts. Police where notified and a number of organisations where contacted. I managed to trace the whereabouts of her alleged abductor after 10 days of searching. Progress was careful and slow with all the authorities involved, so that we did not endanger her safety any further. Shortly after this we had her returned safely to her home. Restraining orders and restrictions were also served.

However, her safety could still not be guaranteed from her alleged abductor. I then launched a search for organisations and safe houses. This proved to be very frustrating and difficult. I learnt that there are not many organisations or safe houses available for women who have been abused in South Africa. The assistance and facilities was also very limited. I was amazed and shocked to see how big a problem abuse against women was and how little attention or funding it receives.

My sister is struggling on, through counselling, recovering from her physical and internal wounds. Her two daughters are also struggling on. Family and friends are supporting her along the way and helping the three of them to cope. Drawn out legal costs and medical bills have placed an extra burden on her and also the family.

But there are many women out there who are not so lucky. Some don’t get found in time. Some get stuck in a cycle of abuse and can’t get out. Most of them don’t know where to turn to or where to find help or advice. Most of them never get help. The damage is still however there, sometimes visible, but mostly hidden. The abuse destroys so many lives directly and indirectly.

“I grew up with braaing as a way of life and thought it would be great opportunity to have a festival where I could introduce it to others and help people become aware of the plight of abused women at the same time,” says the festival organiser.