South Africa: Female GBV survivor becomes independent against all odds
The Bethlehem Child and Family Welfare Society has supported vulnerable families for nearly a century, and in 2026, their work once again transformed a life marked by violence and fear. The survivor, a Lesotho citizen living in Ladybrand with her South African husband and four children, endured 16 years of severe physical and emotional abuse. Her trauma escalated when her husband attacked her with an axe, leaving her hospitalised.
Her children, who were secondary victims of the abuse, suffered immense emotional distress. The eldest attempted suicide, overwhelmed by the violence at home and her mother’s fear of leaving due to financial dependence.
The turning point came when the survivor approached the organisation for help. With urgency and care, the social worker arranged for her and her children to be admitted to a safe shelter while the abuser was away for work. This decisive intervention ensured their immediate safety.
At the shelter, the survivor received counselling from a social worker and further psychological support from a professional psychologist. Her children were connected to a child protection social worker and enrolled in local schools, allowing them to regain stability and routine.
To support long-term independence, the survivor participated in skills development programmes including sewing, basic computer literacy and gardening. With the organisation’s assistance, she secured three income-generating opportunities: two weekend jobs providing cleaning and laundry services, and a permanent farm job in Bethlehem that enables her to support her family.
Her child support grants were transferred from her husband’s name to hers, allowing her full control of her children’s wellbeing. The organisation also assisted with securing safe rental accommodation in Bethlehem, where she chose to relocate permanently for a fresh start.
This transformation reflects the organisation’s holistic approach to empowerment, aligning with several pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBV, including safety, healing, and economic empowerment. The survivor’s journey highlights the power of support systems in breaking cycles of violence. Her children now feel safe, have made new friends, and are rebuilding their lives free from fear.
Quotes
Going forward, the organisation will provide ongoing aftercare and monitoring to ensure continued healing and safety. Her employment, children’s grants, and weekend jobs offer stability, while continued counselling and legal support—including a protection order and maintenance proceedings—will help safeguard her future.
Agnes Taole I am so happy and grateful for what this organization did for me, now I have a new place to stay away from that man.
Agnes Taole My biggest worry was how I would take care of my children, but now I have three jobs and I will be able to support them.