During this time of crisis in the country, concerns about women and children living in abusive homes was raised by many.
Alta McMaster, a manager at PWC, said abusers might also use the Covid-19 lockdown to exert further control and discourage victims from leaving the house.
Also read: Fighting domestic violence
“Social distancing and self-isolation can make living with an abusive partner even more challenging.”
McMaster encouraged everyone to memorise and record phone numbers of their closest crisis centre so that an instant message or a call can connect them to the help they need.
“Many organisations will be working closely with the police over this period to intensify efforts of help and support.”
McMaster shared information on who victims can call for assistance.
Also read: Covid-19 – Lockdown with my abuser
“The Epic Foundation’s counsellors are available for telephonic counselling, WhatsApp counselling and Skype if you prefer,” said McMaster.
Victims can send a WhatsApp to the Epic Foundation with their name and the area they are in.
The foundation’s number is 082 940 6230.
Alternatively, survivors can contact counsellors who support Epic Foundation during this time.
Although an area is indicated where they are, this will be telephonic or WhatsApp contact to any of the counsellors:
- Carla Geustyn (Alberton and Germiston) 063 689 7299 or cmjgeustyn@gmail.com
- Koleka Xaba (East Rand) 072 241 3119 or kolekazaba@gmail.com
- Monica Fourie (Pretoria) 083 412 2791 or monica@laviecounselling.co.za
- Delene Strydom (Johannesburg North) 084 777 4409 or strydom.delene@gmail.com
- Marjie Tracy (Midrand) 078 716 9495 or tracy6635@gmail.com
- Palesa Tshetlo (Pretoria) 066 225 7578 (call), 067 676 8233 (WhatsApp) or palesa.counselling@gmail.com
- Zanele Mdhluli (West Rand) 079 867 8167 or agrinettemdhluli12@gmail.com
- Naasira Lambat (Limpopo) 079 777 1517 or naasira@abiesgroup.co.za
- Octavea Mbuyane (Hazyview) 063 6895793 or prcmbuyaneno@gmail.com
- Plantinah Matsemela (Pretoria) 072 645 7431 or p_matsemela@yahoo.com
- Dr Cindy-Lee Visagie (Kraaifontein) 082 469 3915 or raphajhva@gmail.com
- Jade Fletcher (Douglasdale) 071 404 9470 or jade@crativecounsellingcentre.org.za
- Riyasat-Jaan Khan (Lenasia) 072 023 8187 or riyasatjaankan29@gmail.com
- Yolanda Shiers (KZN) 031 764 0492 or 083 564 7262 or yshiers@gmail.com
- Possy Ngobeni (Mpumalanga, Nelspruit and Polokwane) 063 244 9517 or aluciapossy@gmail.com
- Michelle McCallum 082 510 4714 or 074 220 7958 or michelle-mccaullum@live.co.za
Also read: Covid-19: Police welcome decrease of serious crimes during lockdown
Lifeline centres across South Africa:
- Ekurhuleni 011 421 0384, Debbie Richards 072 253 1244 or debbie.lifeline@gmail.com
- Johannesburg 011 728 1331, Isabella Holden 082 813 2710 or isabella@lifelinejhb.org.za
- Braamfontein 011 715 2000 , Molefi Takalo/Peter Maulana (senior manager communications) 062 299 2001 or TakaloMJ@lifeline.org.za/peterm@lifeline.org.za
- Durban 031 303 1344, Pravisha Dhanapalan 084 690 7533 or director@lifelinedurban.org.za
- Free State 057 357 2746, David Mokoena 072 068 8159 or llfs@telkomsa.net
- Garden Route 044 343 2769, Brenda Tayler 081 430 2264 or lifeline@vodamail.co.za
- Northern Cape 053 832 8533, Brenda Harker 081 312 3748 or lifeline.northerncape@gmail.com
- Klerksdorp 018 462 7838, Michael Selala 076 572 4585 or llinekld@gds.co.za
- Mafikeng 018 381 0976, Mmaja Motjale 082 799 6304 or mmotjale@lifelinemafikeng.co.za
- Nelspruit 013 755 2635/755 3606, Annriette Slabber 082 554 1182 or annriette@xsinet.co.za
- Pietermaritzburg 033 342 4447, Sinikiwe Biyela 082 592 6813 or director@lifelinepmb.co.za
- Polokwane 015 306 0340, Agnes lifelinelimpopo@telkomsa.net
- Pretoria 012 804 1853, Sonja Rayne 076 516 8824 or director.lifelinepta@gmail.com
- Rustenburg 014 594 1455, Benjamin Makhoana 073 597 0828 or director@lifelinertb.co.za
- Vaal Triangle 016 428 1740, Colleen Rogers 082 401 2296 or colleen@lifelinevaal.co.za
- Western Cape 021 461 1113, Glynis Depper 082 928 7524 or glynis@silvercloudit.com
- Westrand 011 665 2281, Karina Swart 071 896 1473 or director@lifelinewestrand.co.za
- Zululand 035 789 2472, Michelle Jewlal 082 554 4244 or directorllzul@telkomsa.net
Additional organisations that render help and support:
- Kids Haven in Benoni is open to admit any children who are victims of abuse. Sam Mokgopha or Moira Simpson on 011 421 4222 or sam@kidshaven.co.za, moiras@kidshaven.co.za
- Teddy Bear Clinic renders emergency services to victims. Shaheda Omar 083 557 3720.
- Childline Gauteng Lynne Cawood 0800 055 555.
- Amcare shelter in Alberton is open during the lockdown. Marihet Infantino 011 869 5856 or marihetinfo@amcare.org.za
- The Viva Foundation Pretoria, Meleney Kriel 079 954 4426.
- South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape group offers support via phone, WhatsApp, text voice or video calls. Rees Man 083 325 2141 or rees@samsosa.org
For further information, contact the Epic Foundation at info@epicfoundation.org.za
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