The organisation No More Victims, established in 2011, wants to be the voice for the voiceless.
Danneline Daniel-Dahl, the executive director, has become a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Through her passion for those with disabilities, she initiated a programme called “Pieces of Me” in honour of her son Daniel.
“We established No More Victims in 2011 to provide a variety of community development programmes such as the awareness and prevention of all forms of violence and abuse, poverty alleviation, youth and childcare educational and recreational services, prevention of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, and the facilitation of skills training and job creation,” says Daniel-Dahl.
Daniel-Dahl says when her son was diagnosed she had no idea what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism was.
“I had to do the research and even then, it did not make sense, he wouldn’t like certain foods and sometimes certain textured clothing irritated him, he was a very aggressive little boy, at times inflicting pain on himself, something I didn’t know how to deal with. Sleeping was a big problem, cartoons became his best friend, family and friends couldn’t understand him, he would smell people; that made him feel safe as a way to connect with them. Because of this I had lost friendships, relationships and the hospital staff and specialists became my family when I couldn’t understand Daniel.
“Daniel saved my life after his abusive father left so many scars, I had to be okay with life, but this little boy needed me to be his safe space and even though he gave me headaches he has this dry sense of humour and a caring spirit. I named him Daniel because God had a plan with me in Daniel’s life and at times I could not my wrap my head around it asking ‘God, why me’? But why not me?” she says.
Awareness
Daniel’s autism came with dyslexia and a learning disability.
“This is our struggle. This boy carries a lot with him, but still manages to let me know that I am doing a great job just by being his mother. I am grateful being able to see life through the eyes of my son Daniel,” according to Daniel-Dahl.
Daniel-Dahl says their aim at No More Victims is to bring awareness and support mothers and children with different disabilities. “I am the proud mom of Daniel and bringing awareness on autism and ADHD and sharing his story is sharing pieces of him with the world,” she says.
For more information on the organisation contact Daniel-Dahl on 076 252 3873 or dannelinedanielsdahl@gmail.com
