South Africa: Amplifying Change for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Incema, working with courts, police and social services, is helping GBV survivors in Greater Edendale access psychosocial support, legal guidance and safer pathways toward healing and justice.

Greater Edendale in South Africa was identified as a GBV hotspot. Many survivors were opening cases but later withdrawing them due to fear, emotional strain, financial dependence and pressure from families. This trapped women in an ongoing cycle of abuse. Incema, with the National Prosecuting Authority, Lifeline, the Department of Justice, SAPS and social development partners, initiated a coordinated intervention to address this gap.

The goal was to curb GBV by strengthening reporting systems, improving case prioritisation and ensuring that every survivor arriving at Plessislaer Police Station or the local court received psychosocial support. Social workers provided counselling, family assessments, referrals, and emotional support inside court. They also offered recommendations to prosecutors on the emotional wellbeing and safety needs of survivors.

Monthly stakeholder meetings offered space to track cases, identify emerging issues and improve services. The collaboration eliminated duplication, improved referral systems and ensured that survivors received holistic care rather than piecemeal support. Prosecutors gained better insight into survivors' reasons for withdrawal, helping them make safer decisions during trial.

Since 2022, the project has created accessible, no‑cost court‑based support services. Survivors now receive counselling, accompaniment, advocacy and assistance navigating court processes. Community outreach and education strengthened prevention by helping people understand domestic violence, legal rights and available services.

The significance of this change lies in its alignment with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on GBVF—specifically Pillars 3 (Justice, Safety and Protection) and 4 (Response, Care and Healing). The project prioritises cases, improves access to justice for previously marginalised groups and helps survivors emotionally recover through counselling. It also demystifies court processes, reducing fear and enabling communities to recognise and report abuse.

Sustainability is supported through a new Terms of Reference framework that defines roles, coordination procedures, confidentiality and survivor‑centred practice. Plans include scaling the model to other districts in KwaZulu‑Natal, expanding court‑based services and ensuring stakeholder alignment in sharing resources, including office space in courts and police stations.

Quotes: 

Londeka Kunene - I gained strength to leave my abusive relationship thanks to counselling from Incema.

Mrs Mkhatshwa - I learned that financial abuse is real abuse and received counselling that helped me move forward.

Mrs Makhathini - Even though healing takes time, counselling helped me begin my recovery journey.