Resources
You Are Not Alone, And Help Is Available
Finding the right support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already carrying so much. This page exists to make that easier. Below you will find a carefully curated list of South African and international resources, organised by category, so you can find exactly what you need without having to search through dozens of websites.
Please note that Silent Rights is an information platform. We do not provide legal aid, counselling, or financial assistance directly, but the organisations listed below do.
🚨 If You Are In Immediate Danger
Do not wait. Contact emergency services right now.
South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (free, 24 hours, 7 days a week)
SMS option: SMS "help" to 31531
Please Call Me: *120*7867# (free)
Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
South African Resources
Getting legal help after abuse is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your children. These organisations can help.
Legal Aid South Africa
Provides free legal representation, advice, and assistance with protection order applications for those who cannot afford private legal fees.
📞 0861 053 425
🌐 www.legal-aid.co.za
People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
Offers telephonic support, counselling, legal assistance, and accompanies women to court to help them navigate the process.
📞 011 642 4345
🌐 www.powa.co.za
Rise Against Domestic Violence SA
Provides free legal guidance, one-on-one support sessions, and trauma-informed assistance to survivors of domestic violence across South Africa, regardless of gender or background.
🌐 www.riseagainstdomesticviolence.co.za
Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre
Focuses on legal advocacy and research on gender-based violence, helping survivors understand and enforce their rights.
🌐 www.tshwaranang.org.za
Emotional Support and Counselling
You do not have to process this alone. These organisations offer confidential, professional support.
Lifeline South Africa — National Counselling Line
24-hour free and confidential telephonic counselling covering trauma, abuse, depression, and crisis support, available in all 11 official languages.
📞 0861 322 322
💬 WhatsApp: 065 989 9238
🌐 www.lifelinesa.co.za
TEARS Foundation
Founded by a GBV survivor, TEARS provides crisis intervention, counselling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, rape, and child sexual abuse. All services are free and confidential.
📞 010 590 5920
📱 Free SMS: *134*7355#
🌐 www.tears.co.za
FAMSA — Families South Africa
Provides trauma counselling, domestic violence support, and family mediation services with offices nationwide.
📞 073 213 3831
📧 national@famsa.org.za
🌐 www.famsa.org.za
SADAG — South African Depression and Anxiety Group
A national organisation offering telephonic counselling, referrals, and support groups for mental health, trauma, and emotional recovery.
📞 0800 567 567
🌐 www.sadag.org
Safety Resources
National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA)
Provides safe accommodation and support services for GBV survivors and their children.
📞 0800 001 005
💬 WhatsApp/SMS: 082 057 8600
Thuthuzela Care Centres
Government-linked one-stop centres offering forensic exams, medical care, legal reporting, and trauma counselling under one roof for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
📞 0800 428 428 (National Hotline)
Find your nearest centre at www.npa.gov.za
SAPS Domestic Violence Resources
The South African Police Service provides guidance on protection orders, what to do if your abuser violates an order, and how to safety plan before leaving.
🌐 www.saps.gov.za
Childline South Africa
Free 24-hour telephonic and online counselling for children and families dealing with abuse, trauma, and family crisis.
📞 116 (free from all networks, 24 hours)
🌐 www.childlinesa.org.za
International Resources
United States National Domestic Violence Hotline
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with access to interpreters in over 200 languages. Call, text, or live chat.
📞 1-800-799-7233
🌐 www.thehotline.org
United Kingdom Women's Aid
Provides a live chat service, email support, and an extensive directory of local domestic abuse services across the UK.
🌐 www.womensaid.org.uk
Australia 1800RESPECT
Confidential 24-hour support for people experiencing or at risk of sexual assault, domestic, or family violence.
📞 1800 737 732
🌐 www.1800respect.org.au
International Directory HotPeachPages
An international directory of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centres, and women's organisations in over 110 languages. If you are outside South Africa and need local resources, this is the place to start.
🌐 www.hotpeachpages.net
The Silent Rights Blog
Sometimes the most powerful resource is simply knowing that someone else has been through exactly what you are going through and came out the other side. That is what our blog is for.
We cover everything from recognising the signs of abuse, to understanding your legal rights, to rebuilding your financial independence and your life after you leave. Written from lived experience, not from a textbook.
Please Note
Silent Rights is an information and support platform. We are here to provide you with resources, information, and a community that understands what you are going through.
We are not able to offer legal advice or legal aid, counselling or therapy services, or financial assistance.
If you need any of these services, our Resources page will point you in the right direction toward organisations that can help.