Support & Resources South Africa (GBV, Forensic Support & Hotlines)
Know Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Report gender-based violence at any police station.
- Request a forensic medical examination (ideally within 72 hours).
- Access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours.
- Request updates on your case with your case number.
- Apply for protection orders through the court.
- Seek legal aid and counselling, free or at low cost.
Immediate Crisis Support & 24/7 Hotlines
These national helplines operate toll-free and around the clock.
- GBV Command Centre (24/7, toll-free):0800 428 428 — Counselling, emergency referrals, police connection, and psychosocial support.
- SMS: 31531 (“help” for persons with disabilities)
- USSD 1207867# for “please call me” support.
- Gender Violence Helpline / Stop Gender Violence: 0800 150 150 (national).
- SAPS Emergency: 10111 — 24/7 emergency reporting.
- Police, Fire, Ambulance (general emergency): 112 (mobile networks).
🆘 Crisis Lines & Counselling
- Childline South Africa (24/7, toll-free): 0800 055 555 — Crisis counselling for children and adults.
- Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 — Emotional support and counselling.
- TEARS Foundation Helpline: 1347355# — Support for abuse survivors.
🏥 Medical & Forensic Reporting
These services assist with medical care and evidence collection:
- Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs): One-stop model for medical care, forensic examination, counselling, and legal support in a victim-friendly space.
- Hotline (national): 0800 428 428.
- Centres are located in hospitals across provinces (go to SAPS or NPA lists).
- Any SAPS Station (24/7): Survivors can request a forensic medical examination (FME) and report GBV.
Important:
➡️ Try to have evidence collection within 72 hours after assault for the forensic yield, but DNA can still be recoverable beyond this period in some cases.
⚖️ Legal Support & Rights
- Legal Aid South Africa: 0800 110 110 — Free/low-cost legal representation.
- Women’s Legal Centre: Offers legal advice and advocacy for women.
- Commission for Gender Equality: 011 403 7182 — Rights advocacy and complaints.
- Victim Empowerment Programme (Dept Social Development): Support services through local offices.
Psychosocial & Community Support
- Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust: 021 447 9762 (24/7) — Counselling & survivor support.
- MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre (Cape Town): Trauma support & legal access.
- Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children: Shelter, counselling, legal support.
- Witkoppen Clinic (GP & GBV services): Psychotherapy and trauma-informed support for survivors.
🧬 Private Forensic Support (Selective Services)
(Use when seeking private evidence processing, expert witnesses, or additional analysis. These are to be approached with clarity on cost and accreditation.)
Examples of private services in South Africa:
- Ampath Forensic Pathology & DNA Services — Accredited DNA analysis and criminal case support.
- Forensic DNA Consultants (Pty) Ltd — Advisory and technical forensic DNA services.
- Unistel Medical Laboratories — Forensic DNA profiling and human genetic analysis.
- Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS Africa) — SANAS-accredited lab performing molecular/genetic analysis.
(Note: Accreditation by SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) is a benchmark of competence for labs that do DNA analysis.
Helpful Online & Government Resources
- GBV Command Centre Info & Services: gbv.org.za/about-us (GBVCC details).
- SA Government Support for GBV Victims: gov.za/faq/justice-and-crime-prevention.
Quick Reference (Phone List)
Emergency / Crisis
- SAPS Emergency — 10111
- GBV Command Centre — 0800 428 428
- Gender Violence Helpline — 0800 150 150
- Lifeline Counselling — 0861 322 322
- Childline SA — 0800 055 555
- TEARS — 1347355#
Medical & Evidence
- Thuthuzela Care Centres — 0800 428 428
- District Hospitals & SAPS Stations — local contact
Legal Support
- Legal Aid SA — 0800 110 110
- Commission for Gender Equality — 011 403 7182
FINAL NOTE
This resource list is designed to be practical, accessible, and rights-affirming, providing options for immediate safety, medical care, forensic evidence collection, legal support, and long-term healing. Survivors should never feel alone; support is available, and asking for help is a step toward care and justice.