Often times we tell victims to "just leave" or "break their silence". Too many of us, who give this advice we believe it is a simple act to just leave. Everytime a victim has to make a decision to leave, it's a life or death decision.

It is not enough to say "just leave" Victims who are encouraged to leave must alsi be fully supported in every aspect, if they do decide to leave.

We need to put things in place, by formulating policies, prevention and intervention strategies, providing effective and efficient protection for victims and their children, having transitional housing communities for victims past three months, fiancial support, academic support and innovative job creation which will open the doors to economic stability and self-sustainability.

We need to work with residents in various communities to support victims, stand against the perpetration of violence, and become active bystanders thus the responsibility of combatting and preventing gender-based violence becomes a community responsibility.

It is not "just leave" it is life or death, sustainbility or poverty, economic independence or another abusive dependence, it is either housing or street dwelling. It is not enough to say "just leave"