Osizweni Advice Office
tel: 034 366 1425
Using Mediation to Repair a Relationship
Sibongile Masondo of Osizweni Advice Office
This cases shows the positive effect that the advice offices can use mediation to solve domestic disputes and save relationships. The paralegals give both sides an opportunity to state their side of the story, remind them of their responsibilities and of how the Domestic Violence Act defines and prohibits abuse.
A 43 year-old woman came to Osizweni Advice Office on 2nd December 2015 to report that her husband was abusing her emotionally and verbally. He has been doing this for a year and this is worst when he drinks, which he often does.
Mrs Masondo explained that she could mediate the problem with them, and the client agreed. She invited the husband to mediation and he came with his wife. During the mediation the wife explained the feelings of hurt that she has and the husband admitted that he has a problem and apologised. One of the issues is that the husband, who is a teacher, often has money problems and is in debt, and is jealous of his wife, who works as a teacher. He agreed that he has a problem and that he needs help and support. Mrs Masondo reminded him that the Domestic Violence Act defines abuse as verbal and emotional as well as physical.
A month later Mrs Masondo followed up by calling the client and she said the husband had improved his behaviour.
Many clients haven´t eaten in days, and advice office staff provide them with food, clothes and toys when they can.
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