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Carte Blanche

Sexual Abuse: Who To Contact

News
25 September 2022
A number of organisations have stepped up to make it easier for survivors of sexual abuse to find support, with many groups offering not only counselling but also legal guidance.
Carte Blanche

In recent years, the conversation around sexual abuse, and more specifical historical sexual abuse, has made headlines around the world. Whether it's claims against religious organisations, industry influencers, celebrities, or educational institutions - survivors are speaking up and reclaiming their power.

Speaking your truth can be an overwhelming and difficult experience, often leading to a survivor having to relive the trauma dating back years and even decades. Fortunately, a number of organisations have stepped up to make it easier for survivors of sexual abuse to find support, with many groups offering not only counselling but also legal guidance.

If you have been affected by historical sexual abuse at UK boarding schools specifically, or you have any leads, visit journalist Alex Renton's website for more info on what to do. 

REPORTING ABUSE

Lifeline

  • 0800 150 150

Government GBV Command Centre

  • 0800 428 428
  • *120*7867#

Rape Crisis

Childline

  • 0800 055 555

Human Trafficking Helpline

  • 0800 222 777

SA Women Fight Back (SAWFB)

Persons in need of urgent assistance can contact SAWFB on any of the below platforms. Please provide your contact info, the type of assistance needed (legal, counselling, etc.), a brief description of the situation and where you are located.

Report Abuse of Persons with Disabilities

  • SMS “help” (without the quotation marks) to 31531

Report Child Abuse

  • SMS “help” (without the quotation marks) to 31022

COUNSELLING SERVICES & SUPPORT

People Opposed Against Woman Abuse (POWA)

Available Mon – Sun from 08:30 to 16:30

  • 076 694 5911

TEARS Foundation

MOSAIC  (Cape Town)

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

Al-Anon Family Groups (Specific to Alcoholism)

LEGAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Legal Resources Centre (LRC)

  • Cape Town: 021 879 2398
  • Durban: 083 775 8775
  • Johannesburg: 011 038 9709
  • Makhanda (Eastern Cape): 083 387 8738

Women’s Legal Centre

Legal Aid SA

Available Mon – Fri from 07:00 to 19:00

  • 0800 110 110
  • Please Call Me: 079 835 7179

LawForAll

  • Phone: 0860 333 353
  • WhatsApp: 063 603 3759

Lawyers Against Abuse – Johannesburg

Sources: SAWFB | POWA | TEARS Foundation