Help is Here
Resources for those needing help, guidance and understanding.
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Organisations
Find the help & support you need
Tears Foundation
A non-profit organisation that provides a 24/7 free support service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They offer immediate crisis intervention, counselling, and referrals to medical and legal help through their helpline and text-based services.
Website: tears.co.za
Contact: 24/7 Toll-Free: 08000 83277
WhatsApp: 066 435 3108
Email: info@tears.co.za
Facebook: @TEARSFoundationSA
Instagram: @tears_foundation_sa
X (Twitter): @TEARSFoundSA
POWA
POWA (people opposing women abuse) is a women’s rights organisation that provides comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence and GBV. They offer sheltering, counselling, legal advice, and advocacy to promote and protect the rights of women and girls.
Website: powa.co.za
Contact: 011 642 4345 / 011 591 6803
Email: info@powa.co.za
Facebook: @POWA.ZA
Instagram: @powa_za
X (Twitter): @POWA_ZA
Lifeline South Africa
Lifeline is a 24-hour counselling service that provides confidential and non-judgmental support for individuals in emotional distress. They can help with trauma, depression, anxiety, and any personal crisis, including abuse.
Website: lifelinesa.co.za
Contact: 24/7 Toll-Free: 0800 150 150
Phone: 011 715 2000
Email: info@lifeline.org.za
Facebook: @LifeLineSouthernAfrica
FAMSA
FAMSA (family and marriage society of South Africa) is an organisation that provides counselling and support for individuals, couples, and families. They can help you navigate difficult family dynamics, relationship issues, trauma, and domestic conflict to build healthier relationships.
Website: familylife.co.za (FAMSA Johannesburg)
Contact: 011 788 4784
Email: intake@familylife.co.za
Facebook: @FAMSA.JHB
Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA)
A non-profit child protection organisation committed to fighting for the rights of the child and ending child abuse in South Africa. They provide free, holistic services to abused children and their families, including medical intervention, expert court support, and therapeutic services through their “Kidz Clinics.”
Website: wmaca.org
Contact: 011 789 8815
Facebook: @WMACAKidz
X (Twitter): @WMACAKidz
GBV Command Centre
The GBV Command Centre is the official, government-run 24/7 hotline for Gender-Based Violence. They provide immediate support, counselling, and can connect you directly to social workers, police (SAPS), and shelters for emergency assistance.
Website: gbv.org.za
Contact: 24/7 Toll-Free: 0800 428 428
Please Call Me: *120*7867#
Memeza Community Safety
A social enterprise founded in 2012 by victims of Gender-Based Violence to create a safer South Africa. They provide innovative and affordable community safety technology, like public alarm systems and panic buttons, that links vulnerable communities directly to the SA Police Service (SAPS) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) for faster emergency response.
Website: memeza.co.za
Contact: 080 001 4542 (Toll-Free)
Phone: 011 568 4397
Email: info@MeMeZa.co.za
Facebook: @memeza.co.za
Instagram: @memeza_shout
X (Twitter): @memezashout
Epic Foundation
A Gauteng-based non-profit organisation founded in 2013 by Alta McMaster to empower and support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Website: epicfoundation.org.za
Contact: 082 940 6230
Email: info@epicfoundation.org.za
Instagram: @epicfoundation_sa
X (Twitter): @EpicFoundationP
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
This organisation provides free counselling, court support, and support groups for survivors of rape and sexual violence. They assist survivors in navigating the legal and medical systems and offer a safe space for healing.
Website: rapecrisis.org.za
Contact: 021 447 9762
WhatsApp: 083 222 5164
Email: communications@rapecrisis.org.za
Facebook: @RapeCrisisCapeTownTrust
Instagram: @rapecrisiscpt
X (Twitter): @RapeCrisisCpt
Legal Aid SA
Legal Aid SA is a government organisation that provides free or subsidised legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford a lawyer. They can assist with criminal cases and serious civil matters, including protection orders and child custody disputes.
Website: legal-aid.co.za
Contact: Toll-Free: 0800 110 110
Please Call Me: 079 835 7179
Email: communications2@legal-aid.co.za
Facebook: @LegalAidSouthAfrica
X (Twitter): @LegalAidSouthAfr
LinkedIn: Legal Aid South Africa
Women’s Legal Centre (WLC)
The WLC is a non-profit law clinic that focuses on advancing women’s rights. They provide free legal advice and take on “test cases” (strategic litigation) to change discriminatory laws, particularly around violence, property, and relationships.
Website: wlce.co.za
Contact: 021 424 5660
Email: info@wlce.co.za
Facebook: @WomensLegalCentre
Instagram: @womenslegalcentre
X (Twitter): @WLC_ZA
Wits Law Clinic
Part of Wits University, this clinic provides free legal services to those in the Johannesburg area who cannot afford them. They cover various matters, including family law and domestic violence, while also training law students.
Website: wits.ac.za/lawclinic
Contact: 011 717 8562
Facebook: @WitsSchoolofLaw
Lawyers against Abuse (LvA)
LvA provides free, direct legal services and psycho-social support to victims of gender-based violence. They guide survivors through the entire legal process, from reporting a case and getting a protection order to appearing in court.
Website: lva.org.za
Contact: Phone/WhatsApp: 072 031 1840
Email: info@lva.org.za
Facebook: @LawyersagainstAbuse
Instagram: @lva_sa
X (Twitter): @LVA_SA
Shelters
Find a safe space
National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA)
The NSMSA is a network of shelters across South Africa. Their toll-free helpline will connect you to a safe shelter in your area for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence and abuse.
Website: nsmsa.org.za
Contact: Toll-Free: 0800 001 005
Phone: 079 310 9633
WhatsApp / SMS / Please Call Me: 082 057 8600 / 082 058 2215 / 072 230 7147
Email: infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za
Facebook: @NationalShelterMovement