Walking a mile for rape victims

KNYSNA NEWS - While on her way from Sir Lowry's Pass to Makhanda to raise awareness about the plight of rape victims in general society and in particular in the church, Anglican Reverend June Dolley-Major stopped by Knysna this past weekend.

As she walked the last stretch from the Red Bridge into town on Friday 8 October, she was joined by survivors and supporters of her cause.

This was only the start, however, of what would be a powerful weekend for those fighting for the plight of rape survivors and victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

On Saturday afternoon, 9 October, at 14:00 they held a feminist theology picnic at Shepherd's Tree Backpackers. This was followed by a tea at Sirius Lodge for victims and survivors of GBV and attempted femicide on Sunday 10 October.

Dolley-Major's weekend of activism in Knysna came to an end on Sunday when she departed from the Knysna Police Station, making her way along the N2, down George Rex Drive, up Vigilance Drive, and back to the N2 all the way to Plettenberg Bay. The Hornlee-based women's group Changes of Knysna joined her during this final walk.

Reverend June Dolley-Major and her support group raise their fists in support of their cause.

Before her departure, Dolley-Major said she values the support she received. "It's been truly amazing," she said. "So many survivors were able to come forward and speak about what happened to them, and do so in a safe space. Some even spoke about their experiences for the first time ever."

She added that their online campaign, #Sayhisname, has received immense support during her journey.

According to Dolley-Major she was raped in Makhanda (then Grahamstown) nearly 19 years ago, allegedly by a fellow priest, Melvin Booysen. She has been staging protests in an attempt to get the Anglican Church of South Africa to acknowledge what happened to her and prevent others from suffering a similar fate.

Elsies River activist Celesthea Pierang has accompanied Dolley-Major on her journey and together they want to bring home the message that the road to recovery from such a deep-seated trauma is long and arduous. They hope to arrive in Makhanda before the end of the month.

The group that joined Dolley-Major make their way along the N2 in town.