Charlene Pretorius was a mother of three. In May 2023, she suffered devastating burn injuries during an incident at her home in Pretoria North. She later died in hospital from those injuries and multiple organ failure. Her husband was arrested and is standing trial for her murder. It is alleged that he set her alight! We became involved with Charlene’s family and has continued supporting them through a court process that has now stretched over years. Her children have had to enter a courtroom and give evidence about the events surrounding their mother’s death. Just think about that. Children who have already lost their mother then have to sit in a criminal court and relive what happened to her. The forensic pathologist has since testified that Charlene suffered burns to approximately 30% of her body, injuries to her respiratory system caused by flame inhalation and ultimately died from her burn injuries and multiple organ failure. The trial must run its course and guilt must be determined by the court. But Charlene’s case is also a reminder of something bigger. We cannot wait until a woman is dead before we take domestic violence seriously. Patterns of abuse matter. Threats matter. Escalation matters. Protection orders matter. And when a woman says she is afraid, the system must understand that the next incident may not leave her alive to report it. We must not forget them while they wait. IC