South Africa: Thusanang Trauma Centre empowers GBV survivors through justice and support

The Thusanang Trauma Centre, based in Lichtenburg in the North West Province, works at the forefront of supporting survivors of Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The organisation responds to urgent gaps in justice, psychosocial care, and crisis support for women and children who face significant risk and trauma. Many survivors in communities across the 21 wards of Ditsobotla Local Municipality encounter major obstacles: perpetrators being granted bail, lack of safe accommodation, limited access to counselling, and the emotional strain of navigating intimidating court procedures.

The project aims to challenge these gaps by strengthening justice outcomes, improving survivor safety, and restoring dignity. The Centre advocates directly in courts, ensuring that bail applications for GBVF perpetrators are thoroughly challenged. This intervention has shifted local justice patterns, with most perpetrators now denied bail, significantly reducing intimidation and improving survivor safety.

Alongside justice advocacy, Thusanang Trauma Centre provides counselling, trauma debriefing, and emotional support. Survivors are empowered to rebuild confidence and regain agency. For those in crisis, the Centre offers temporary shelter, meals, clothing, and toiletries—ensuring survivors are supported physically and emotionally.

Community engagement has also strengthened the movement. Survivors actively participate in support programmes, while community leaders and justice officials collaborate with the Centre. Awareness activities encourage reporting of GBVF and help break the silence surrounding abuse.

The impact of the project is visible and far‑reaching. Survivors now feel safer, more supported, and better able to pursue justice. The justice system has become more responsive, reinforcing accountability and deterrence. The community benefits from a stronger stance against GBVF, and trust in justice processes is improving.

This change is significant beyond the local level. The project demonstrates how community‑based organisations can influence justice systems, improve survivor safety, and strengthen GBVF response strategies. Survivors regain confidence in the courts, and advocacy efforts inspire broader collaboration across civil society and government to improve protection services.

To sustain and expand the impact, Thusanang Trauma Centre continues its legal advocacy, counselling programmes, and provision of crisis support. Plans for scaling include expanding services beyond the current 21 wards, training volunteers, strengthening partnerships, and securing additional resources. These efforts aim to ensure more survivors across the North West Province receive protection, empowerment, and justice.

Nontsiki Mlambo I am thankful for the support from Thusanang Trauma Centre, we will see justice in my friend’s case.

Akanyang Mashobane As Thusanang Trauma Centre, we will continue to support victims of GBVF leaving no stone unturned.

Ntesang Pitso I am a better person because of the support I received from Thusanang Trauma Centre.

Link to the video