Sadag launches online support for GBV victims this Wednesday

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is launching its most recent online support group for sexual and gender-based violence victims on Wednesday.

Sadag says that the support group for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) is aimed at providing a safe and empowering space for survivors to connect, share experiences and heal together.

After the noon online meet-up this Wednesday, the support group will meet every two weeks on Wednesdays.

Lebo Tau, the support group leader shares: “I am a survivor myself and run a human rights organisation, which works with marginalised groups in the SGBVF space where we provide care and support and have seen a big gap for emotional support.

“Not only am I doing this for other survivors but for myself as well. We as survivors need a space to open up and not be questioned about what we were wearing or why we acted a certain way. Partnering with Sadag made sense as we are trying to provide support for those in need,” Tau continues.

Sadag says that this support group is an “essential” resource for those who have experienced trauma and are seeking compassionate support from others who have went through similar experiences.

The online platform aims to break the barriers of isolation and offer a sense of community to survivors, no matter where they are located.

“Victims often feel shame and guilt thus the group hopes to help them understand that they have done nothing wrong and are not alone. This will be a safe space where all the masks can be removed and they can feel supported as they heal,” Tau concludes.

If you are a survivor of sexual or GBV or know someone who is, contact Lebo 084 865 1110 to join the support group.

For information on other support groups, visit www.sadag.org, call 0800 21 22 23 or SMS 31393 to speak to a counsellor.

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