We understand that making the decision to ask for help can be a difficult step. That is why we’re here to help you find the strength to move forward and make an informed decision about your situation. We will provide you with the help and support you need to make it happen:

YOU DERSERVE TO BE RESPECTED AND LOVED
DON’T BE SILENT!!!! SPEAK TO OUR COUNSELORS
ON TOLLFREE LINE
FROM A NETONE NUMBER:
08010188

COUNSELLING

EMTHONJENI WOMEN’S FORUM (EWF) offers a holistic support to survivors of intimate partner violence including systemic counselling and court support services. Court support services include advice and guidance in obtaining protection orders, maintenance and garnishee orders from the magistrates’ courts. Rehabilitative counselling is also offered to perpetrators of gender based violence.

COURT SUPPORT

EWF offers pre and post court counselling services to survivors of GBV attending courts in Bulawayo Tredgold courts on Mondays, uMzingwane courts on Tuesdays and Insiza courts on Wednesday. In line with The Domestic Violence Act (DVA) (Chapter 5:16) of 2007 our counsellors not only provide counselling but assist in completing protection orders, assessing and informing the judiciary on the nature of abuse to enable the magistrate to make an informed ruling.

COMMUNITY BASED COUNSELLORS

We have 55 trained female community based counsellors and 30 male community based counsellors, in Insiza and Umzingwane districts. These cadres provide basic counselling to community members that include couple dialogue and family conflict resolution as well as refer cases to our professional counselors. This is in addition reporting cases of abuse in their communities as the law has provision for third party reporting and gives permission for one to act as a representative of the person facing violence.

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SURVIVORS.

The counselling department has 13 established support groups in Insiza and Umzingwane districts. The common experience among members of support group often means they have similar feelings, worries and everyday problems. Participants in a group provides a survivor with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another. The benefits of participating in a support group may include:

• Feeling less lonely, Isolated or judged
• Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
• Improving skills to cope with challenges
• Gaining a sense of empowerment, control and hope
• Trauma counselling and psychosocial Support still remains the most important service being provided to survivors as processing their emotions not only benefits their mental well-being but provides clarity and confidence in making informed decisions about their lives.