THE TRAUMA CENTRE FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE AND TORTURE

The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture Trust

Established in 1993, The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture Trust stands as a beacon of hope and healing in Cape Town. Situated at the historic Cowley House, our roots are embedded in the courage of those who fought for a non-violent, democratic South Africa. Over the years, we've been committed to providing professional trauma counselling services to those who cannot afford quality therapeutic counselling.

Why Support The Trauma Centre?

• Addressing Trauma for a Healthy Society: Dealing with trauma effectively is vital for building a healthy society, and our work aims to break the cycle of violence prevalent in South Africa.
• Expertise in Social Capital: With exceptionally high levels of violence, our organization specializes in building social capital and preventing violence through various programs and services.
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What do we Offerings:

• Professional Counselling: Confidential counselling services by registered staff, reaching out to disadvantaged communities in and around Cape Town and beyond.
• Training Courses: Empowering professionals and lay counsellors nationally through trauma training courses (Trauma Bereavement Guidebook Training, Trauma Support Work Training)
• Violence Prevention Programmes: Active involvement in high-conflict areas with programs designed to prevent violence in close collaboration with communities
• Advocacy Programmes: Engaging at provincial, national, and international levels to ensure justice for victims of violence.
• Workplace Wellness programmes: Providing professional face to face and online counselling, awareness campaigns, social policy workshops (sexual harassment, alcohol abuse, trauma support) for employees of companies.

What did we achieve?

In the year 2022-2023 we reached the following numbers:

1288 adults counselled (760 GBV; 528 Victims of Crime)

1242 children exposed to violence counselled

An average of 73 clients per month in companies as part of the Workplace Wellness project

1041 people reached through our Gender Based Violence prevention educational theatre

140 volunteers trained in Trauma Support Work to be able to provide Psychological First Aid

47026 were reached through media interaction (Radio, CTV, newspapers, social media

What is our impact?

Here are some testimonials from our clients and programme participants:

"May you continue to impact those on your journey with knowledge so we can empower our communities."

• Police officer who attended training

"You made me strong… what a wonderful experience to be with you the whole week."

• Training participant

"I now have insights to deal with it."

• Trauma Support Training participant

Transformative Impact Client Statements:

• Empowering Survivors:
• “After the counseling, I can wear the clothes again that I wore on the day I was raped, I can now go on with my life.” – Client
• Breaking the Cycle:
• “We used to discipline our women but now I realize it was wrong and is a crime.” – Audience member at a drama production
• Promoting Education:
• “Some went back to school through the emphasis of the importance of education.” – Social worker, Children and Families team

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Your contribution can make a direct impact on the lives of survivors. Every donation counts toward supporting counseling, training, and advocacy programs.
• Spread Awareness: Share our mission with your network. Awareness is a powerful tool in creating a community that stands against violence.
• Get Involved: Volunteer your time and skills. Your commitment can help us reach more people and expand our programs.

To donate or get involved, visit www.traumacentre.org.za or contact us at 021 4657373.

Your contribution will help fund a life changing intervention in the life of someone who has survived a trauma or who roday still lives in a traumatising environment.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of healing and resilience for a non-violent society.