Privacy: If someone monitors your device, use a safer device. Quick Exit does not erase history.
GBV Support & Guidance
If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, abuse, harassment or threats, help is available. This page provides practical guidance on safety, medical care, reporting, legal options and emotional support.
GBV and abuse can affect anyone - regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, culture or background.
Contact Sizofakulwazi Foundation
For guidance, support and referrals, you can reach out to us directly. We accept anonymous calls - you do not have to give your name.
Call Us
+27 72 298 7853
Anonymous calls welcome
Email Us
Sizofakulwazi2022@gmail.com
We will respond as soon as possible
WhatsApp Us
+27 72 298 7853
Send a message at your own pace
Your privacy matters, and anonymous calls are welcome. You do not have to share your name, address or any information you are not comfortable with. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, simply let us know when you reach out.
If you are in immediate danger
Move to a safe place if you can, and contact emergency services immediately. If you cannot speak, try leaving the line open or ask someone nearby to call for you.
Protect your privacy while you browse
If someone who is hurting you may monitor your phone, computer or internet activity, please be careful. Clearing your browser history is not always enough, and it may put you at greater risk if the person notices. If possible, use a safer device - such as a trusted friend's phone, a library computer or a public device - when seeking help.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Definition
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence directed at someone because of their gender, or violence that affects people of a particular gender disproportionately. It is rooted in unequal power relationships and is a serious violation of human rights.
GBV includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial and digital abuse. It can happen in private homes, workplaces, schools, online and in public spaces. It can be committed by partners, family members, acquaintances or strangers.
Consent
Consent means freely and enthusiastically agreeing to something. It must be given without pressure, fear, manipulation or coercion. It can be withdrawn at any time.
- Consent is freely given.
- Consent is informed - the person knows what they are agreeing to.
- Consent is reversible - it can be withdrawn at any time.
- Silence, freezing or a lack of resistance is not consent.
- Someone who is asleep, unconscious, or incapacitated by alcohol or drugs cannot consent.
Power and Control
Abuse is often about power and control rather than anger. A person who abuses may use a range of tactics - physical force, threats, isolation, financial control, emotional manipulation, monitoring or exploiting children - to maintain control over their partner or family member. Recognising this pattern helps people understand that what they are experiencing is abuse, even when there is no physical violence.
Myths vs Facts
Myth
"Abuse only happens to certain kinds of people."
Fact
GBV can affect anyone - regardless of gender, age, race, class, sexual orientation, disability or religion.
Myth
"If it isn't physical, it isn't really abuse."
Fact
Emotional, financial, sexual and digital abuse cause real harm. Coercive control is a recognised form of abuse.
Myth
"People who stay in abusive relationships must want to be there."
Fact
Leaving is often the most dangerous time. Fear, finances, children, immigration status and love all play a role.
Myth
"Rape only happens to women."
Fact
Anyone can experience sexual violence. Men and boys are also survivors.
Myth
"If someone doesn't fight back, it wasn't rape."
Fact
Freezing is a common trauma response. Consent must be freely given - a lack of 'no' is not a 'yes'.
Myth
"Abuse is a private family matter."
Fact
GBV is a public safety and human rights issue. Support, reporting and protection are available.
Types of Abuse
Abuse takes many forms. You do not have to wait until someone hurts you physically to seek help.
Physical Abuse
Hitting, pushing, slapping, kicking, choking, burning or any form of physical harm. Includes using weapons or objects to hurt someone.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual act without consent, including rape, sexual assault, sexual coercion and forcing someone to perform sexual acts.
Emotional & Psychological Abuse
Verbal abuse, humiliation, gaslighting, threats, intimidation, isolation and behaviour intended to control or frighten someone.
Financial & Economic Abuse
Controlling someone's money, preventing them from working, withholding financial resources or running up debt in their name.
Verbal Abuse
Insults, name-calling, shouting, threats and language intended to degrade, humiliate or intimidate someone.
Digital & Online Abuse
Cyberstalking, harassment, sharing intimate images without consent, impersonation, doxxing and technology-facilitated abuse.
Stalking
Repeated unwanted following, monitoring, contact or attention that causes fear or distress.
Coercive Control
A pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate and control another person. Often present without physical violence.
Domestic Violence
Abuse between people who are or were in a close relationship, or who live in the same household, including family members.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Physical, sexual or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse.
National Emergency & Support Contacts
Official South African government and national services. Sizofakulwazi Foundation is not an emergency response service.
How Can We Help?
Select the option below that best describes your situation. Each section provides practical guidance on what you can do next.
What Happens After Reporting?
Reporting can feel overwhelming. Here is a general overview of the process. Every case is different.
Report & statement
You report the incident at a police station or through emergency services. You give a statement in a private setting.
Case number
A case number is issued. Keep this number safe - you will need it to follow up. You are entitled to a copy of your statement.
Medical & forensic
You may be referred to a Thuthuzela Care Centre or hospital for medical care and, if relevant, a forensic examination.
Investigation
SAPS investigates the case. This may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and locating the person accused.
Prosecution decision
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reviews the case and decides whether to prosecute.
Court process
If the case goes to court, you may be called as a witness. Ask about victim support services.
Need guidance through the process? Contact Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853 or the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Creating a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a practical, personalised plan to help you stay safer. You do not have to leave immediately to make a plan. Even small steps can make a difference.
Identify a safe place
Think of somewhere you can go if you need to leave quickly - a trusted friend or family member's home, a police station, a hospital or a public place.
Keep important items accessible
If it is safe, keep your ID, phone, charger, medication and some money in a bag you can grab quickly. Your safety comes first - do not put yourself at risk to collect belongings.
Have a code word
Choose a word or phrase you can use with a trusted person to signal that you need help without alerting the person causing harm.
Save emergency numbers
Save 10111, 112 and the GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428) in your phone. If it is not safe to save them, memorise them.
Plan for children
If children are present, include their safety in your plan. Think about where they would go and who would care for them.
Review your digital safety
If someone may be monitoring your phone or accounts, consider using a safer device or browsing privately when seeking help.
A safety plan is personal. You can create one with the help of a counsellor or social worker. Contact the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853 for assistance.
Your Legal Rights
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For advice about your situation, contact a qualified legal professional or Legal Aid SA on 0800 110 110.
Protection Orders
A protection order (sometimes called a restraining order) is a court order that prohibits someone from contacting, approaching or harming you.
- •You can apply at your nearest Magistrate's Court under the Domestic Violence Act.
- •A protection order can cover physical, emotional, sexual, financial and psychological abuse.
- •An interim (temporary) order can be issued while your case is reviewed.
- •If the order is violated, report it to SAPS immediately.
For details about duration, renewal and specific conditions, please consult the Domestic Violence Act or a legal professional.
Key Rights
- Right to report - you can report any form of GBV to SAPS.
- Right to medical care - including emergency contraception and HIV PEP.
- Right to dignity and privacy - you should be treated with respect and your information kept confidential.
- Right to choose whether to report - you can access support without reporting.
- Right to legal assistance - Legal Aid SA provides free legal help to those who qualify. Call 0800 110 110.
If SAPS does not assist you
You have the right to be helped. If you are not being assisted:
- •Ask to speak to the station commander.
- •Report the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
- •Contact the GBVF-related service complaints line for SAPS: 0800 333 177.
- •Seek support from a legal NGO or paralegal service. Contact Legal Aid SA on 0800 110 110 or Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853.
Medical Support
Do not delay medical care. Some interventions - including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and emergency contraception - are time-sensitive. Do not wait for a decision about reporting before seeking medical care.
What to do
- 1.Get to a safe place first.
- 2.Go to your nearest hospital, clinic or Thuthuzela Care Centre as soon as possible.
- 3.Ask for a medical examination and emergency contraception if needed.
- 4.Ask about HIV PEP - it is most effective when started within 72 hours.
- 5.You can choose whether to report. Medical care is available regardless.
Evidence & forensic examination
- •If preserving evidence is important to you and it is safe to do so, try to avoid washing, changing clothes or showering before a forensic examination.
- •If you have already washed or changed clothes, this does not mean you cannot report or seek care.
- •If possible, put clothing in a paper bag (not plastic) and do not wash it.
- •Do not delay medical care just because evidence may be affected. Your health comes first.
Thuthuzela Care Centres
One-stop facilities at public hospitals providing medical attention, forensic examinations, psychosocial support and assistance with reporting. Ask at your nearest hospital or call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 to find one near you.
Support for Everyone
GBV and abuse can affect anyone - regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, culture, immigration status or background. Men, boys, LGBTQ+ people, older persons and people with disabilities can all experience abuse, and everyone deserves support, safety and dignity.
If you are unsure whether a service is right for you, contact Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853 or the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 and ask. You will not be turned away because of who you are.
Accessibility & Language
We are committed to making this information accessible to as many people as possible. If you need information in a different format or language, please contact Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853.
SMS support
If you cannot call, SMS 31531 for GBV support.
Screen readers
This page is built to work with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Plain language
We try to use clear, plain language. Let us know if anything is unclear.
Language support
We are working toward making key information available in more South African languages.
More Resources
Additional services and tools to support you.
Bright Sky SA
A free app to assess whether you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. Includes a directory of support services near you.
Learn moreSAPS
South African Police Service. Report crime, find your nearest station, or access victim support information.
Visit SAPSLegal Aid South Africa
Free legal assistance for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Call 0800 110 110.
Get legal helpChildline
24/7 support for children and anyone worried about a child. Call 0800 055 555.
Visit ChildlinePOWA (People Opposing Women Abuse)
Counselling, shelter, legal support and advocacy for women experiencing abuse. Call 0800 150 150.
Visit POWAInformation Sources
The information on this page has been compiled from official South African sources, including:
- •South African Police Service (SAPS)
- •Department of Social Development
- •Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
- •National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
- •Legal Aid South Africa
- •Thuthuzela Care Centres
Information last reviewed: September 2026
This page is general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or counselling advice. Helpline numbers and legal information can change. If you notice any outdated information, please contact Sizofakulwazi Foundation.
Important Information
Sizofakulwazi Foundation provides information and guidance to help connect people with appropriate support services. We are not an emergency response service and cannot guarantee immediate assistance. For emergencies, please contact the relevant emergency service directly.
If you are in immediate danger, call 10111 (Police) or 112 (Mobile). For GBV support, call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or Sizofakulwazi Foundation on +27 72 298 7853.