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?

1 April 2020 – March 2025

•6480 adults counselled (GBV, Domestic Violence & Victims of Crime)

•5789 children counselled (exposed to violence, sexual abuse, bullying, suicidal)

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

•2677 people reached through Educational Theatre

An average of 50 clients per month in companies as part of the Workplace Wellness programme (family problems, domestic violence, sexual harassment policy training, substance abuse)

As a member of South African Coalition for Transitional Justice, we met with National Government in 2024 to implement unfinished business of the TRC (spending the President fund earmarked for reparations)

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." - Stakeholder

My wife asked me to thank you for changing me. For the first time I sat down and listened to her and also my son.

-Trauma Support Work training participant

“After the counselling, I can wear the clothes again that I wore on the day I was raped, I can go now go on with my life” – client of Victim Empowerment Programme

•To be in work for every shift make me feel good, I don’t want to leave early I’m also coming in earlier in the mornings at work, my energy is coming back” – Client of the Workplace Wellness programme

“Because of the training, I managed to talk down a gangster who aimed a gun at our neighbourhood watch group” - Trauma Support Work and Mediation training participant

“Because of the mediation session with me and my husband, he is no longer abusing me and our relationship is much better” – client of Victim Empowerment Programme

“We used to think that it is right to discipline our women….now I realise it is a crime” – Audience member of Educational Theatre

How You Can Help:

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 struggles to cope with continuous trauma.

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