Useful links
Reference websites and sources
Every external organisation, helpline and official source mentioned in this guide, in one place. Phone numbers and websites can change — confirm anything important directly with the organisation.
Government
State-run services, emergency numbers and official complaints channels.
GBV Command Centre
24-hour counselling and referral for gender-based violence. Can call for you or connect you to police, ambulance or a social worker.
www.gov.za/gender-based-violence-and-femicideChildline South Africa
Free 24-hour counselling for children and those caring for them.
www.childlinesa.org.za/contact-usLegal Aid SA Advice Line
Free legal advice if you cannot afford a lawyer. They also run offices at many magistrates' courts.
legal-aid.co.zaThuthuzela Care Centres
One-stop government centres for sexual offence victims: medical care, counselling, police and prosecution support in one place.
www.gov.za/TCCSAPS Crime Stop
Anonymous tip-offs about criminal activity, including information that could help an investigation.
www.saps.gov.za/crimestop/crimestop.phpSADAG
Mental health and suicide crisis support, available by phone and SMS.
www.sadag.orgPresidential Hotline
When a government department has not helped after repeated attempts.
www.gov.za/about-government/government-call-centres-and-help-linesSouth African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
Complaints about human rights violations, including unfair treatment by police or officials.
www.sahrc.org.zaCommission for Gender Equality (CGE)
Complaints and investigations about gender discrimination and gender-based violence.
www.cge.org.zaIPID — Independent Police Investigative Directorate
Complaints about police misconduct, assault, corruption or failure to investigate.
www.ipid.gov.zaDepartment of Justice court services
Court rolls, small claims court information and court locator.
www.justice.gov.za
Free legal help
Organisations that offer free or low-cost legal advice and representation.
Legal Aid South Africa
Free legal advice and representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
legal-aid.co.zaLegal Resources Centre
Public-interest human rights and constitutional litigation.
lrc.org.zaProBono.Org
Free legal clinics and referral to volunteer attorneys.
probono.org.zaWomen's Legal Centre
Free legal support for women on gender-based violence, protection orders and family law.
wlce.co.zaCentre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS)
Strategic public-interest litigation based at the University of the Witwatersrand.
www.wits.ac.za/calsLawyers for Human Rights
Free legal assistance on refugee, migrant, detention and housing rights.
www.lhr.org.zaLegal Practice Council
Regulator of attorneys and advocates in South Africa, including the pro bono referral desk.
lpc.org.za
Foundations & NGOs
Non-profit organisations offering counselling, shelter, court support and advocacy.
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
Counselling, court support and survivor-centred services for rape and sexual assault survivors.
rapecrisis.org.zaTEARS Foundation
Free access to crisis support, counselling and forensic examination for sexual assault survivors.
tears.co.zaPeople Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
Shelter, counselling and legal support for women and children experiencing abuse.
www.powa.co.zaNisaa Institute for Women's Development
Shelter, counselling and empowerment for women and children affected by gender-based violence.
nisaa.org.zaMosaic
Free counselling and legal advice for women facing abuse, including help with protection orders.
mosaic.org.zaSonke Gender Justice
Support, policy work and community programmes on gender-based violence, focusing on men and boys.
genderjustice.org.zaThe Teddy Bear Foundation (formerly Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children)
Medical, psychological and legal services for abused children, and training for those who support them.
teddybearfoundation.org.zaWomen and Men Against Child Abuse
Advocacy, counselling and court support for child abuse cases.
wamaca.org.zaShukumisa Coalition
A coalition of organisations working on sexual violence policy, prevention and survivor support.
shukumisa.org.za
Private care
Registered private professionals and services you may choose to pay for or claim through medical aid.
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Verify that a psychologist or mental health professional is registered, or find a registered practitioner.
www.hpcsa.co.zaPsychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA)
Find a registered psychologist, including those who specialise in trauma.
www.psyssa.comLaw Society of South Africa
Find a practising attorney or check whether an attorney is registered.
www.lssa.org.zaMediation in Motion / private family mediators
Private mediators can help settle civil and family disputes without going to trial. Useful for maintenance, contact and money disputes.
saam.org.zaPrivate trauma counsellors
Many psychologists, social workers and registered counsellors offer private trauma counselling. Medical aids often cover sessions with a referral.
www.psyssa.com
Sources of information
Official sources used for the general information on this site.
South African Police Service
National police service: reporting crime, Crime Stop and safety information.
www.saps.gov.zaNational Prosecuting Authority
The body that decides whether to prosecute and runs the state's case in court.
www.npa.gov.zaDepartment of Justice and Constitutional Development
Court services, legislation, court rolls and small claims court information.
www.justice.gov.zaSouth African Government portal
Official government information, services and contact directories.
www.gov.zaService Charter for Victims of Crime
The charter that sets out the rights of victims in the South African criminal justice system.
www.justice.gov.za/vc
Before you call or travel
- Phone numbers, websites and office hours change. Check the organisation's own site first.
- This page is general information, not legal advice. Only a lawyer can advise on the facts of your case.
- If a link no longer works, please let us know through the Help & rights page.