The help available

Childline SA: An NGO offering information, support and assistance to abused children, young people and their families. Issues dealt with include physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioural problems, legal advice and trafficking. Toll-free helpline: 08000 55 555 open 24 hours a day. Website: www.childline.org.za

Child Welfare SA: The co-ordinating body for more than 260 affiliated child-welfare societies, organisations and community outreach projects. It is the largest non-profit, non-governmental organisation in SA in the fields of child protection and child care and family development. Call 0861 4 CHILD (24453) or 011-452-4110. E-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za Website: www.childwelfaresa.org.za

Joburg Child Welfare Society: Offers services to abandoned, abused and neglected children. Also facilitates adoption and foster care, as well as parenting workshops and training services. 011-298-8500. www.jhbchildwelfare.org.za

SAPS: Emergency number: 10111. Crime Stop: 08600 10111. Report cases of child abuse for police investigation at e-mail: childprotect@saps.org.za

People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa): Gauteng-based organisation offering shelter, counselling and legal support to women in abusive relationships, rape survivors, survivors of incest. 083 765 1235 www.powa.co.za

Stop Gender Abuse: Crisis counselling for women who have been raped or abused, advice and support for people wanting to support women in need of help, legal and other options available for abused women and rape survivors. Run by LifeLine Southern Africa. Toll-free helpline: 0800 150 150

Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust: Works to prevent rape, offers healing to survivors, and works towards legal reforms that will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Services include counselling and court preparation.

021 447-9762 (Observatory)

021 633 9229 (Athlone)

021 361 9085 (Khayelitsha)

www.rapecrisis.org.za