TVEP Receives International Attention With ZTVA Model

 

The Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program (TVEP) has completed their Zero Tolerance Village Alliance (ZTVA) pilot program and is receiving international attention as a strategy for “positive behavior change”. Results will be published in several scientific journals and the University of Pennsylvania, known for their research, has applied to USAID/WHO for funding to test the ZTVA model over a period of 3 years. We are so proud of our TVEP friends!

TVEP goals have always included “the creation and capacitation of community members about their rights and responsibilities as they pertain to sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and HIV/AIDS.” Their research and growing database demonstrate increased sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and domestic violence (DV) in the Thulamela municipality of South Africa.

A female resident of Tshiombo echoed the sentiment of her female neighbors, “…We (kept) quiet when we were being abused because it seemed natural.” TVEP recognized the importance of activism on a community-wide level. An effort to determine the reasoning for survivor reluctance to exercise their legal and human rights prompted TVEP to develop a needs-based intervention program, The Zero Tolerance Village Alliance (ZVTA), that would theoretically increase crime reporting while simultaneously increase personal knowledge and support.

SGBV “non-reporting” is considered a major barrier to health promotion, risk reduction efforts and human rights empowerment. The ZTVA model provides incentives for a partnership with and commitment from the village officials including the kings, chiefs, councilors, police and clergy as well as their constituents.

This huge project involved 6+ years of development and implementation, input from many individuals and support funding from 4 different sources as well as faith in the project and Stakeholders. The end result of the ZTVA program has serious implications for reducing sexual and gender-based violence and domestic violence.

We are excited to see that the importance of TVEP’s ongoing efforts is finally being recognized by entities outside of the Limpopo Province. TVEP’s research and its resulting programs have far reaching implications and deserve consistent financial support, which is currently lacking.

Lets get creative in considering ways to support TVEP’S critical endeavors!

Download and read an abridged ZTVA report at http://www.hopeforlimpopo.org/main/tvep/tvepmaterial/ or to read the complete 68-page evaluation please contact Fiona@tvep.org.za