NGOs open their doors to help victims of violence

South Africa has a number of organisations which survivors of gender-based violence can approach for counseling and the healing process, after being abused. In view of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, Vuk’uzenzele compiled a list of places you can go to when you need help.

People Opposed to Women Abuse, or Powa

Powa provides counselling, both telephonically and in person face-to-face, as well as legal assistance to women who have been abused.

Website: https://www.powa.co.za/POWA/
Phone number: 011 642 434/6

Childline South Africa

This non-profit organisation helps abused children and their families. It deals with issues such as physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioural problems and trafficking, and gives legal advice.

Website: http://www.childlinesa.org.za/
Toll-free helpline: 0800 055 555

Child Welfare South Africa

Child Welfare South Africa focuses on child protection, child care and family development. Neglect and child abuse can also be reported to them.
Website: http://childwelfaresa.org.za/
Phone number: 074 080 8315

Family and Marriage Association of SA, or Famsa

Famsa provides counselling and education to help improve marriages and family. It provides assistance in cases of domestic violence and trauma, divorces and mediation. Famsa has offices throughout the country.

Website: http://famsa.org.za/
Phone number: 011 975 7106/7

Tears Foundation

Founded in 2012, this non-profit organisation provides a database of medical, legal and psychological services available in South Africa to help those who have been raped or survived sexual abuse.

Website: https://www.tears.co.za/gbv-domestic-abuse/
Phone number: 010 590 5920

Gender-Based Violence Command Centre

The Department of Social Development opened a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Command Centre in November 2013. It operates 24 hours a day and is operational all year long  to assist victims of gender-based violence.

The command centre can be reached in a number of ways, including on their emergency toll free number on 0800 428 428, or by sending a please call me to *120*7867#

You can also skype contact where you can add Help Me GBV to your skype contacts and send a message. This platform is also used to help victims in the deaf community who use South African Sign Language to communicate.

Other options are to SMS Help to 31531, or to visit www.gbv.org.za