Resources
Information, tools, and support lines to raise awareness, support healing, and strengthen communities.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against GBV. Learn to recognise the signs and know how to help.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is any harmful act directed at a person because of their gender. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, committed by intimate partners, family members, or others. GBV affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but women and children bear the heaviest burden.
Abuse can be hard to recognise, especially when you are in the middle of it. Common signs include: a partner who controls your movements, money, or who you can see; physical violence or threats of violence; isolation from friends and family; constant criticism, humiliation, or being made to feel worthless; and pressure or coercion around sexual activity. Abuse is never the victim's fault. If any of these feel familiar, you do not have to face this alone. Please reach out to On Eagle's Wings or one of the helplines on this page.
The most important thing you can do is listen without judgment and believe them. Let them know you are there for them and that the abuse is not their fault. Do not pressure them to leave or act before they are ready: leaving can be the most dangerous time, and they need to be in control of the decision. Encourage them to contact On Eagle's Wings or the National GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428) when they feel safe to do so. If you believe they are in immediate danger, contact SAPS on 10111.
Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger, call SAPS on 10111. If you cannot speak, leave the line open. Get to a safe place if you can: a neighbour, a public building, anywhere people are present. Call the National GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428, which is free, available 24/7, and completely confidential.
Safety Planning
Your safety matters. The information below is intended to help you think through practical steps, whether you are in immediate danger or planning for a safer future. You know your situation best. If you need immediate help, call 0800 428 428 (free, 24/7) or SAPS on 10111.
If You Are in Immediate Danger
- Call SAPS on 10111 if it is safe to do so. If you cannot speak, leave the line open.
- Get to a safe location as quickly as possible: a neighbour, a family member, a shop or public building.
- If you cannot leave, go to a room with a lock and an exit. Avoid rooms with weapons.
- Contact someone you trust and tell them where you are.
Creating a Personal Safety Plan
- Call the National GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428, free and available 24/7.
- Come to On Eagle's Wings as soon as it is safe: Shop 9, Aspen Building, 18 Jeffrey Street, Jeffreys Bay.
- Identify a trusted person who knows your situation and whom you can contact in an emergency.
- Save the emergency numbers under a neutral name: SAPS 10111; GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428; On Eagle's Wings 042 293 3985.
Note: For personalised safety planning, please contact us directly.
Downloads
Resources will be added here as they become available. Contact us if you need something specific in the meantime.
Important Helplines
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