Physical violence
Hitting, pushing, choking, burning, restraining or threatening someone with a weapon.
Family Trauma • Foundational Programme
Stop Gender-Based
Violence
Gender-based violence is a major concern in South Africa. Violence is never acceptable, and no one deserves abuse. This page explains GBV in simple language and shows safer ways to seek or offer help.
Understand GBV
What does gender-based violence mean?
GBV is violence, abuse or control directed at someone because of gender, gender roles or unequal power. It can happen in a home, relationship, school, workplace, community or online. It can affect anyone.
Sexual violence
Any sexual act, contact or pressure without freely given consent.
Emotional abuse
Threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or making someone feel afraid.
Control and exploitation
Controlling money, work, movement, phones or relationships; stalking or online harassment.
Remember: abuse is never the survivor's fault. A person does not need to show injuries or prove what happened before they are treated with care and respect.
Notice possible warning signs
What might GBV look like?
One sign does not always prove abuse. Look for fear, control, harm or a pattern that removes a person's freedom and safety.
Fear and threats
The person seems frightened of a partner or family member, receives threats, or changes behaviour to avoid anger.
Control and isolation
Someone controls their money, phone, clothing, movement, work, friendships or access to family.
Harm or forced sexual acts
There may be injuries, sexual pressure, forced contact, reproductive control or fear of saying no.
Stalking and harassment
Repeated unwanted calls, messages, following, monitoring, online abuse or threats to share private information.
If someone tells you
Respond with LIVES.
Stay calm, respect the person's choices and focus on safety. Do not blame, interrogate or pressure them to report before they are ready, unless urgent safeguarding or emergency action is required.
Listen
Listen with empathy and without judgement. Let the person speak at their own pace.
Inquire
Ask what they need and what they are most worried about right now.
Validate
Believe them. Say clearly that the violence is not their fault.
Enhance safety
Discuss a safer next step and check whether there is immediate danger.
Support
Offer choices, information and referral. Ask permission before sharing their information.
LIVES is a survivor-centred first-line support approach from the World Health Organization.
Choose the safest next step
Emergency help and CAHSICS guidance are different.
Immediate danger
- Call SAPS on 10111 or dial 112 from a mobile phone.
- Go to a police station, emergency department or another safer place.
- Use a safer phone or device if someone may be monitoring you.
Information, guidance and referral
CAHSICS can listen, explain options, share educational information and help you identify an appropriate service.
Phone or WhatsApp: 068 798 5884
Email: cahsicsnpo@gmail.com
For national information and reporting guidance, visit the South African Government's GBV information page.
Need help finding the right service?
Contact CAHSICS on 068 798 5884 or visit 31 Circle Drive, Tzaneen, next to Letaba Network.
CAHSICS focuses on prevention, education, advocacy, social and behavioural change support, community guidance, service navigation and referral. CAHSICS does not replace emergency, clinical, legal, forensic, police, shelter or statutory services. When specialised help is required, our role is to support safe linkage to the appropriate service.