The challenge that the project addresses
The scourge of gender-based violence and lack of readily available counselling services in previously disadvantaged communities.
What is your project doing to respond to this challenge?
We created a safe haven for victims of gender-based violence and their children at the Lady Frere Police Station. The project came about because we noticed a high number of victims withdrawing gender-based violence cases. Upon closer inspection it became evident that victims of gender-based violence open criminal cases against a perpetrator and in most cases have to go home to the same perpetrator or the abuser is released on the same day. We partnered with the South African Police Service to create a readily available and transitional safe space for victims of gender-based violence and their children at the Lady Frere Police Station. We made the support centre as comfortable as possible, it has comfortable beds and bathroom facilities.
Describe the project's impact
The transitional safe space we have created at the Lady Frere Police Station enables victims of GBV to be in a safe environment while police officers are finalising their processes. As part of this project, we would like to provide online counselling services (via whatsapp or phone) as victims of GBV have to deal with the psychological and emotional effects of the abuse.
The R20 000 will be used to: a) buy care packages (with items such as sanitary pads, body spray, deodorant, face cloth, soap, body lotion, etc) for victims of gender-based violence using the safe space. b) buy toys and books for the children using the safe space c) set up an online counselling services (via whatsapp and telephone) for victims of gender based violence and trauma.