Rape Crisis counsellors are all volunteer lay counsellors trained by the organisation in a rigorous and inspiring six week process. Three teams in Athlone, Khayelitsha and Observatory are lead by experienced staff that support, teach and guide the counselling teams in their work with survivors through regular meetings, supervision groups and ongoing training sessions.

Survivors can call our 24 hour crisis lines and speak to a counsellor in Xhosa, Afrikaans or English and from there be referred if they want it for face-to-face counselling, a support group, aromatherapy massage or Pretrial Consultation in preparation for a court case. The counsellor, as well as being able to offer information and support to the survivor, will refer family members and close supporters of the survivor to another within the focus group. The counsellor will also act as a liaison with various members in the Criminal Justice System such as police, medical personnel and prosecutors with whom Rape Crisis has strong working relationships. All our counselling services are offered free of charge.

Information gathered from this service acts as a firm evidence base for our advocacy, training and awareness raising work. We learn from every survivor we see.

TELEPHONE SUPPORT

Observatory – +27 (0)21 447 1467
Counselling line – +27 (0)21 447 9762

Athlone – +27 (0)21 684 1180
Counselling line – +27 (0)21 633 9229

Khayelitsha – +27 (0)21 361 9228
Counselling line – +27 (0)21 361 9085