If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, know this: you are not alone, and help is available across South Africa—24/7, free, and within reach.
South Africa has established a network of government-backed and independent services to ensure that survivors can access medical care, legal help, shelter, counselling, and safe spaces. Here’s where to turn, step by step.
🚨 Emergency Help
If you are in immediate danger, call the South African Police Service at 10111. This is the fastest way to get on-the-spot protection.
If you face abuse at home—domestic or sexual violence—the police are obligated to respond under the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 (gov.za).
☎️ National Helplines and Command Centres
The Gender‑Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC), supported by the Department of Social Development, is available 24‑hours at 0800 428 428. You can also send a Please Call Me to *120*7867#—both connect you to social workers who offer advice, referrals, and immediate support (gov.za, gbv.org.za).
Other essential toll-free helplines:
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STOP Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150 or 1207867# (Tears Foundation)
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Childline South Africa (for child abuse): 116 or online counselling via childlinesa.org.za
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Lifeline South Africa (emotional support): 0861 322 322
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People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA): 011 642 4345, offers legal and counselling aid (gov.za, epicfoundation.org.za)
🏥 Medical, Legal & Counselling Support: One‑Stop Centers
Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs)—based at hospitals and clinics—offer a full package: emergency medical treatment, forensic services, counselling, and help filing a police report, all in one victim-centred facility. These are supported by the National Prosecuting Authority and have improved GBV case outcomes significantly (npa.gov.za, wikipedia, sexual violence SA).
Khuseleka One Stop Centres also operate similarly but are smaller community-based safe spaces for victims seeking protection (gov.za).
Safety planning tools like My Safety Plan are available through court and community programmes to help survivors leave dangerous relationships with support and strategy.
🏠 Shelters & Safe Spaces
Government supports over 102 shelters and 19 White Door safe houses, which provide temporary refuge for survivors and their children across the country (gov.za).
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa can connect you to locations near you (0800 001 005) and other regional support via SMS or WhatsApp.
🧑⚖️ Legal Support & Protection Orders
If you’re being abused, you can apply for a protection order against your abuser at your nearest Magistrate’s Court under the Domestic Violence Act. Include details of abuse and threats, even emotional or financial. Courts must assist applicants and may provide interim orders quickly (reddit survivor advice, protection order).
Legal Aid South Africa and centres like LVA (Lawyers Against Abuse) offer free legal guidance on orders, custody, shared property, and more (epicfoundation.org.za, reddit advice).
🧠 Counselling & Emotional Support
Access mental health support via:
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GBV Command Centre – immediate counselling referrals
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Lifeline SA – emotional support line
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Tears Foundation – SMS line 1347355# or call 0800 001 005
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Humanitas (online counselling) offers free sessions through referral
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Childline SA – available to children and concerned adults at any hour (reddit mental health resources)
📡 Disability Access & Language Support
If you live with a disability, send SMS “help” to 31531 or use Skype contact 'Helpme GBV'. The GBVCC also offers voice or text support for Deaf individuals and people with mobility barriers (gov.za, gbv.org.za).
📚 Helpful Organisations & Networks
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POWA—offers shelter, legal aid, workshops, and rights education (wikipedia POWA, gov.za directory)
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FAMSA (Families South Africa)—family counselling, trauma support, divorce mediation
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Action Society and Sonke Gender Justice—offer legal recourse, whistleblower lines, and public advocacy
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Child Welfare SA—child protection and abuse reporting (gov.za directory)
✅ Quick Summary Table
| Needs | Who to Contact | How to Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger | SAPS | Call 10111 |
| Emergency counselling | GBV Command Centre / STOP helpline | 0800 428 428 or 0800 150 150 / 1207867# |
| Safe shelter | National Shelter Movement | 0800 001 005 / WhatsApp or SMS |
| Legal help / protection | Magistrate Court / Legal Aid / LVA | Visit court or call legal aid |
| Medical care / rape support | Thuthuzela Care Centres | At hospitals/clinics |
| Child support | Childline SA | 116 or visit childlinesa.org.za |
| Counselling support | Lifeline, Tears Foundation, local NGOs | 0861 322 322, 1347355#, etc. |
💬 From Reddit Voices: Real Advice
Survivors and community helpers share this advice 💬:
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“She can contact Lifeline… there are also FCS centres at select police stations specializing in domestic abuse… Women For Change offers helpful resources.” (Reddit, Government of South Africa, Justice and Constitutional Development, GBV, Government of South Africa, EPIC Foundation, help.unhcr.org, The Saartjie Baartman Centre, Reddit, Wikipedia, End GBVF, National Prosecuting Authority)
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“Google a Thuthuzela Centre near you… then go to the police station and lay a charge. Ask for your rights, get Form 1.” (Reddit)
Real words from real people—sometimes that’s the first step out of silence.
💪 What Can You Do Now?
If you’re ever in this position or know someone who is:
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Call emergency services or helplines immediately
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Apply for a protection order at court with witness statements and documentation
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Visit a Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical, counselling, and legal support all under one roof
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Save the helpline numbers below now in case you or someone else needs them later
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Reach out to local NGOs like POWA or FAMSA for longer-term support, economic empowerment, and counselling
📍 Resources & Backlinks
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Government campaign overview – gov.za/issues/violence‑against‑women‑and‑children‑0 (End GBVF)
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Gender-based Violence Command Centre details – gbv.org.za (GBV)
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Thuthuzela Care Centres overview – npa.gov.za (National Prosecuting Authority)
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Ending GBVF strategy & resources – stateofthenation.gov.za (SONA 2025)
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National support helplines & NGOs listing – gov.za (Government of South Africa)
📣 We’re Listening: Have Your Say
POLL: Which support service did you find most helpful or would you use first?
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GBV Command Centre (helpline)
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Protection Order at court
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Visiting Thuthuzela Care Centre
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Community NGO or shelter
Vote now or add your thoughts below—your experience matters, and your voice may help someone else in crisis.
You deserve support, safety, and respect.
This isn’t just information—it’s a lifeline.
If you’re ready for the next story in our series on GBV and community resilience, follow Daily South African Pulse for new posts and updates.
Stay tuned, stay safe.
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