Support is available to abuse survivors during lockdown

During this time of crisis in the country, concerns about women and children living in abusive homes was raised by many.

Alta McMaster, the director of The Epic Foundation, said abusers might also use the Covid-19 outbreak to exert further control and discourage victims from leaving the house.

“Social distancing and self-isolation can make living with an abusive partner even more challenging,” she said.

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,” she said.

McMaster shared information on who victims can call for assistance.

“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 The Epic Foundation during this time.

Below is a list of The Epic Foundation counsellors and their contact details should you require assistance.

Although an area is indicated where they are, this will be telephonic or WhatsApp contact to any of the counsellors.

READ: Services available in the Ekurhuleni metro during lockdown

• Carla Geustyn – Alberton and Germiston – 063 689 7299 – cmjgeustyn@gmail.com.
• Koleka Xaba – East Rand – 072 241 3119 – kolekazaba@gmail.com.
• Delene Strydom – Johannesburg North – 084 777 4409 – strydom.delene@gmail.com.
• Marjie Tracy – Midrand – 078 716 9495 – tracy6635@gmail.com.
• Palesa Tshetlo – Pretoria – 066 225 7578 (call) and 067 676 8233 (WhatsApp) – palesa.counselling@gmail.com.
• Zanele Mdhluli – West Rand – 079 867 8167 – agrinettemdhluli12@gmail.com.
• Octavea Mbuyane – Hazyview – 063 689 5793 – prcmbuyaneno@gmail.com.
• Plantinah Matsemela – Pretoria – 072 645 7431 – p_matsemela@yahoo.com.
• Dr Cindy-Lee Visagie – Kraaifontein 082 469 3915 – raphajhva@gmail.com.
• Jade Fletcher – Douglasdale – 071 404 9470 – jade@crativecounsellingcentre.org.za.
• Riyasat-Jaan Khan – Lenasia – 072 023 8187 – riyasatjaankan29@gmail.com.
• Yolanda Shiers – KZN – 031 764 0492 or 083 564 7262 – yshiers@gmail.com.
• Possy Ngobeni – Mpumalanga, Nelspruit and Polokwane – 063 244 9517 – aluciapossy@gmail.com.
• Michelle McCallum – 082 510 4714 or 074 220 7958 – michellemccaullum@live.co.za.

Lifeline centres across South Africa:
• Ekurhuleni – 011 421 0384 – Debbie Richards – 072 253 1244 – debbie.lifeline@gmail.com.
• Johannesburg – 011 728 1331 – Isabella Holden – 082 813 2710 – isabella@lifelinejhb.org.za.
• Braamfontein – 011 715 2000 – Molefi Takalo/Peter Maulana (senior manager communications) – 062 299 2001 – TakaloMJ@ lifeline.org.za/peterm@lifeline.org.za.
• Durban – 031 303 1344 – Pravisha Dhanapalan – 084 690 7533 – director@lifelinedurban.org.za.
• Free State – 057 357 2746 – David Mokoena – 072 068 8159 – llfs@telkomsa.net.
• Garden Route – 044 343 2769 – Brenda Tayler – 081 430 2264 – lifeline@vodamail.co.za.
• Northern Cape – 053 832 8533 – Brenda Harker – 081 312 3748 – lifeline.northerncape@gmail.com.
• Klerksdorp – 018 462 7838 – Michael Selala – 076 572 4585 – linekld@gds.co.za.
• Mafikeng – 018 381 0976 – Mmaja Motjale – 082 799 6304 – mmotjale@lifelinemafikeng.co.za.
• Nelspruit – 013 755 2635/755 3606 – Annriette Slabber – 082 554 1182 – annriette@xsinet.co.za.
• Pietermaritzburg – 033 342 4447 – Sinikiwe Biyela – 082 592 6813 – director@lifelinepmb.co.za.
• Polokwane – 015 306 0340 – Agnes – lifelinelimpopo@telkomsa.net.
• Pretoria – 012 804 1853 – Sonja Rayne – 076 516 8824 – director.lifelinepta@gmail.com.
• Rustenburg – 014 594 1455 – Benjamin Makhoana – 073 597 0828 – director@lifelinertb.co.za.
• Vaal Triangle – 016 428 1740 – Colleen Rogers – 082 401 2296 – colleen@lifelinevaal.co.za.
• Western Cape – 021 461 1113 – Glynis Depper – 082 928 7524 – glynis@silvercloudit.com.
• Westrand – 011 665 2281 – Karina Swart – 071 896 1473 – director@ lifelinewestrand.co.za.

A list of other organisations that render help and support:
• Kids Haven – Benoni – Sam Mokgopha or Moira Simpson – 011 421 4222 – sam@kidshaven.co.za/moiras@kidshaven.co.za –
they will still be open to admit any children who are victims of abuse.
• Teddy Bear Clinic – Shaheda Omar – 083 557 3720 – they will continue to render emergency services to victims who need it.
• Childline Gauteng – Lynne Cawood – their 24-hour centre remains open and they will provide assistance – 0800 055 555.
• Amcare – Alberton – Marihet Infantino – 011 869 5856 – marihetinfo@amcare.org.za – their shelter will remain open during lockdown.
• The Viva Foundation – Pretoria – Meleney Kriel – 079 954 4426.
• Optimistic Bikers Against Rape and Abuse – Celeste Louw – you can inbox, WhatsApp or email them at sos@optmystic.za.net – 072 427 0187.
• POWA – East Rand and West Rand – Command Centre – 0800 428 428.
• South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape will offer support via phone, WhatsApp, text voice or video calls – Rees Man – 083 325 2141 – rees@samsosa.org.

For further information, you are welcome to contact The Epic Foundation at info@epicfoundation.org.za.

READ: Mental health care is vital during lockdown

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts  (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za

or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:

Follow us: