- The iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, offers counselling, treatment for physical trauma, prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and the careful gathering of forensic evidence. Call 0861 HOPE 4 U (467348); 011421 2301; 011 422 4107 or visit www.traumasupport.org.za

- Peas-in-a-Pod, a safe house for girls in Pretoria, focuses primarily on the needs of young victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It provides remedial teaching and a therapeutic programme. Call 082 789-2570 or visit www.peas-in-a-pod.org

- POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) aims to work towards the elimination of violence against women and children through frontline services, lobbying, advocacy and research. They aim to create a strong women's rights sector. Call 011642 4345/6 or visit www.powa.co.za

- Cape Town based Rape Crisis aims to provide a bridge between survivors and the system through counselling and court support. Call their counselling lines at 021 447 9762 (Observatory); 021 633 9229 (Athlone); and 021 361 9085 (Khayelitsha) or visit http://rapecrisis.org.za/