Domestic violence is a global issues reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions.

As her last project as Miss Campus 2018, Zahraa Omar organized a Silent March to raise awareness against the surge of domestic violence.

In a moving speech, Zahraa urged everyone in attendance to educate themselves about domestic violence and to share what they learn with other people.

She explained how the quote by Martin Luther King, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal” is relevant to domestic violence. She said it is only by speaking out and creating a safe space for discussions that we can diminish the stigma surrounding victims and deny perpetrators the chance to thrive.

She also created awareness about the places on campus that can assist domestic violence victims. These are Ingryp, which is now called Thuso, meaning “help”, and Protection Services.

Victims can also approach Ms Santi Britz, who started an initiative called the “IDUC”project. In addition to helping the victims of domestic abuse, this project also supports victims of rape, while focusing on job creation.

This is how the project works: unemployed women from disadvantaged communities are employed and paid to make hooded robes and stuffed animals.

The robes are then given to victims of rape in rape crisis centers across South Africa, while child victims receive a stuffed toy duck and a robe.

Zahraa thanked the deputy vice- chancellor for Information Technology and Campus Operations Prof Daryl Balia and his office as well as Ingryp and Protection Services for assisting in making the silent march possible, together with all others who played a role in making the project a success.

She concluded by saying that domestic violence breaks individuals, families and societies. “Please play your part in ensuring that the society of tomorrow is stronger, healthier and more supportive than today,” she emphasised.

Seen here is Zahraa Omar with Santie Britz, Dr Corrie Rheeder,Heinz Schoeman Struwig, Dalena d'Assonville and Vincent Eastes.