Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - December 8, 2004
But these words are meaningless to Bridgette Mashope, a 32-year-old mother.
Five weeks ago, her partner, Alex Mokgoro, assaulted her viciously in their locked bedroom. He then dropped her off at a hospital after the beating and drove away. While Mokgoro has been charged with attempted murder and is out on R5000 bail, Mashope had no celebrations for her recent birthday. She has been in a coma since the assault.
Think of Bridgette Mashope, and her four-year-old son who may grow up without his mother. And then think that she is but one of thousands of women who live with violence, or the constant threat of it.
The aim of this year's campaign has been to highlight the impact of violence on women's physical, reproductive, sexual, emotional and social health.
There has been a special emphasis on how violence against women fuels the HIV/Aids pandemic - which is important to highlight in South Africa where the levels of violence against women and children, of rape and of violent domestic crimes remain unacceptably high.
We should all pledge to make this year's slogan more than just a promise. While it might be meaningless to Mashope and her son, let's ensure that it is not so for the many others in her position.
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