Leratong is a place of love
Leratong Place of Safety Crisis Centre, also known as House of Hope, is a division of Springscare, and is a place of safety for women and children who are victims of domestic, physical and emotional abuse or violence.
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This is a Non Profit Organisation and is government funded.
“Government funded organisations are well audited,” says chairman Claudette Westley.
She adds they are extremely grateful for the assistance of the police, the health and education departments.
Staff at Leratong are guided by the needs of the women and children and focus on strengthening them to the point where they are able to end the abusive relationships they find themselves in, enabling the women and children to rebuild their self-esteem, healing and assisting them in becoming more assertive and aware of their needs and rights.
Various facilities are available on site where the women are equipped and taught to be self-sufficient while learning new skills.
These facilities include a fully equipped sewing room and computer room, and volunteers also assist with equipping the women with craft skills such as knitting, beadwork and mosaic.
Crisis intervention counselling is given by social workers and the families are also assisted with court preparation.
Leratong can accommodate up to 20 women for a rehabilitation period of six months.
Claudette says three meals are served per day.
“Facilities are available for the children as well,” adds Claudette.
The house mainly operates on the caring services of volunteers and donations by individuals or corporate companies.
Leratong is also affiliated to the National Shelter Movement where workshops are being held on a regular basis for social workers to enhance their performance.
Claudette says government and the Department of Social Development do their very best for Leratong and they receive grants.
She feels strongly if the community wants to make a difference they need to make the difference themselves.
I have a friend who’s husband is physically and mentally abusing her and her 8 year old daughter. There is no food in the house and she needs help asap before he ends up killing her or her daughter. Please help her and her daughter. Thanks