From Trauma to Triumph: A Survivor’s Journey to Help Others Heal

Key Takeaways:

• Tarryn Lokotsch, a survivor of a brutal attack and rape, has become the CEO of the Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project Group (GRIP) to help other survivors and address the systemic issues in South Africa’s handling of gender-based violence (GBV).
• Lokotsch highlights the lack of education, stigma, and government funding as major problems in addressing GBV.
• GRIP provides essential services, including shelters, accompaniment to police stations and hospitals, and educational programs to raise awareness and prevent GBV.
• The organization emphasizes the need for sensitivity training for police and government officials to deal with survivors appropriately.
• Collaboration between the government and community organizations like GRIP is crucial to addressing the root causes of GBV, including unemployment, patriarchal laws, and lack of education.

Introduction to Tarryn Lokotsch’s Story
Tarryn Lokotsch’s life took a dramatic turn in April 2021 when she was brutally attacked and raped while on a run near her home in Mataffin, Mbombela. During her recovery in intensive care, she met Barbara Kenyon, the founder of the Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project Group (GRIP). This encounter would change her life’s purpose, as she eventually became the CEO of GRIP in 2022. Lokotsch’s experience and newfound passion for the organization’s cause drove her to take on the challenging role, which she describes as a way to use her own story to help other survivors.

The Challenges of Dealing with GBV
Lokotsch’s experience with the aftermath of her assault was marked by a lack of empathy from officials, which inspired her to make a difference. She recounts being required to revisit the crime scene, where she was forced to relive the traumatic experience while officers seemed insensitive to her plight. This encounter motivated her to participate in making the process easier and more caring for survivors. As the CEO of GRIP, Lokotsch faces the daunting task of dealing with up to 10 cases a day, some of which are personal and triggering due to her own experience. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to using her story to help others and create positive change.

Addressing the Systemic Issues
Lokotsch identifies several systemic issues that contribute to the prevalence of GBV in South Africa, including a lack of education, stigma, and government funding. She emphasizes the importance of educating women about their rights, the availability of medical forensic units, and the need for sensitivity training for police officers. GRIP addresses these issues through social media campaigns, school talks, and community programs. Lokotsch also highlights the need for consistent awareness and action, rather than just during campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism. The lack of government funding for GBV-centered organizations is a significant concern, particularly since many have lost funding due to cuts to USAID and other US grants.

The Importance of Community Involvement
Lokotsch stresses the need for community involvement and collaboration with organizations like GRIP to address the root causes of GBV. She believes that community organizations and people working at clinics and hospitals have valuable insights and solutions that are often overlooked by the government. GRIP operates throughout Mpumalanga, providing essential services, including shelters, accompaniment to police stations and hospitals, and educational programs. The organization’s work is crucial in addressing the cycle of violence, particularly in poor and rural communities where women are often reliant on their abusers. Lokotsch emphasizes that solving GBV will require a multifaceted approach that addresses unemployment, patriarchal laws, and lack of education.

The Way Forward
As the CEO of GRIP, Lokotsch continues to lead the organization in helping survivors and addressing the GBV crisis. She emphasizes the need for action, rather than just words, and encourages the government to collaborate with community organizations like GRIP. By working together, Lokotsch believes that it is possible to create positive change and ultimately end GBV. The story of Tarryn Lokotsch and GRIP serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to GBV and the need for community involvement and collaboration to create a safer and more just society for all.