10 Institutions That Offer Support for Victims of Abuse in South Africa

In South Africa, numerous organizations are dedicated to providing essential support for victims of physical abuse. These institutions offer a range of services, from medical attention and shelter to counselling and legal aid. Here are 10 key organizations that can help:

1. South African Police Service (SAPS)

The SAPS is a critical first point of contact for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. They assist with:

• Medical attention
• Shelter
• Victim counselling
  For emergencies, contact SAPS at 10111.

2. People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa)

Powa provides comprehensive support for women who have experienced violence, including:

• Phone and in-person counselling
• Temporary shelter
• Legal assistance
  Website: Powa
  Tel: 011 642 4345
  Email: [email protected]
  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

3. Childline South Africa

This non-profit organization supports abused children and their families with:

• Free counselling services
• Assistance with physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioural problems, and trafficking
• Legal advice
  Website: Childline South Africa
  Toll-free helpline: 116
  Email: [email protected]
  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

4. Child Welfare South Africa

Child Welfare South Africa focuses on:

• Child protection
• Child care
• Family development
• Reporting neglect and child abuse
  Website: Child Welfare South Africa
  Tel: 074 080 8315
  Email: [email protected]
  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

5. Families South Africa (Famsa)

Famsa provides counselling and education to support marriages and families, including:

• Help with domestic violence and trauma
• Assistance with divorces and mediation
  Website: Famsa
  Tel: 011 975 7106/7

6. TEARS Foundation

TEARS Foundation offers:

• Crisis intervention
• Advocacy
• Counselling
• Prevention education services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse
  Website: TEARS Foundation
  Free SMS helpline: 1347355#
  Tel: 010 590 5920
  Email: [email protected]
  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

7. The Trauma Centre

The Trauma Centre provides:

• Trauma counselling
• Violence prevention services
  Website: The Trauma Centre
  Tel: 021 465 7373
  Email: [email protected]
  Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

8. Thuthuzela Care Centres

Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are one-stop facilities that aim to:

• Reduce secondary victimisation
• Build cases ready for successful prosecution
• Provide access to information on gender-based violence
  Website: Thuthuzela Care Centres

9. Gender-Based Violence Command Centre

This command centre offers a dedicated helpline for victims of gender-based violence.
Helpline: 0800 428 428

10. Halt Elder Abuse Line (Heal)

Heal provides support for elderly people facing abuse with:

• A dedicated helpline
• Email support
  Helpline: 0800 003 081
  Email: [email protected]

These organizations play a vital role in supporting victims of physical abuse across South Africa, providing essential services to help them recover and seek justice.

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