Encouraging non-violent responses

Michael's journey during the film and in subsequent years, and Bongani's story about his girlfriend, both illustrate how non-violent responses from family members can help much more in the healing process than perpetrating a violent attack against the offender.

Bongani's girlfriend committed suicide after Bongani went to prision, after he attacked and killed one the men who gang raped. Bongani says, 'I was weak because I took a very short route - a short route to revenge which is something that is unacceptable. You cannot rectify a wrong with another wrong.'

Likewise, Michael says he has learnt that offering compassion and understanding is the best way a family member can respond.

'You can treat the person in a way that they don't feel that they did something wrong and then of course the healing process goes a lot quicker.'

top