Where to get help if you’ve been the victim of GBV
LEEUWKOP – Gender-based violence affects thousands of women and children across South Africa. Here are a few places where you can get help and support from people who will understand.
Abuse of any kind is not your fault.
On 5 March, the Department of Correctional Services hosted an Under the Tree Dialogue at Leeuwkop prison with incarcerated offenders, members of the community and other stakeholders, to address the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV). The reality is that abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault affect thousands of women in South Africa.
“Women in South Africa are murdered at a rate five times higher than the global average,” Gauteng regional commissioner, Grace Molatedi said during her address at the dialogue. “GBV is a plight that grips our country and a month doesn’t go by where you don’t hear about something awful that has happened to a woman or child.”
If you or someone you love is in danger, please take note of following organisations that can help:
- The police
Assault and sexual offences are illegal under South African law. To report what has happened to you, you can call the South African Police Service. There are two stations that cover the greater Fourways area:
Details: Douglasdale Police Station 011 699 1333, Diepsloot Police Station 011 367 6300.
- Green Door Women’s Shelter
Located in Diepsloot West, Green Door Women’s Shelter provides sanctuary and support to women and children affected by GBV. Not only will founder Brown Lekekela give you a safe place to sleep, he can also assist you to get in contact with government structures that will be able to offer additional support.
Details: Brown Lekekela brownlekekela@gmail.com; 065 247 3643
- Sadag sexual assault support group
In 2019, Nono Maseko, a trauma counsellor with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) started a Diepsloot-based support group for survivors of sexual assault and rape. Free to attend on a monthly basis, this group aims to give survivors a safe space to work through their trauma with people who understand what they’re going through. To get involved, please contact Maseko directly.
Details: Nono Maseko nonnie@anxiety.org.za, 083 649 8639.
Related Article:
GBV takes centre stage at Leeuwkop prison’s Under the Tree Dialogues
