New programme to empower GBV first responders with essential skills in Sandton

To mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism, Avon South Africa and the TEARS Foundation have teamed up to launch the survivor-centred response summit and training programme, a vital new initiative aimed at equipping first-line responders to gender-based violence (GBV) with the skills and resources to provide compassionate, survivor-centred care.

The launch event, held on December 6 at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), underscored the crucial role of individuals and groups who are often the first point of contact for survivors of GBV. These include traditional leaders, church elders, community groups, healthcare workers, police officers, security personnel, and women-focused organisations.

According to Mara Glennie, founder and CEO of the TEARS Foundation, despite their pivotal role in offering immediate support and long-term healing, these first responders often lack the tailored training and resources necessary to respond effectively.

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Glennie highlighted the importance of the partnership. “These unsung heroes are often the first to help survivors, yet they don’t always have the right tools or support to do so. This initiative aims to change that.”

She stated that by empowering these responders, they can ensure survivors receive the care, dignity, and empathy they deserve. “This training programme comes in the wake of a 2024 report by the Public Protector, which exposed numerous inefficiencies in how government departments handle GBV cases.”

Glennie pointed out that the report highlighted bureaucratic delays, inadequate resources, and a lack of proper co-ordination among key entities such as the Departments of Justice, Social Development, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“These issues continue to hinder effective case management and contribute to prolonged trauma for survivors.”

Glennie emphasised that she believes that while these findings are troubling, they offer an opportunity for meaningful change. “This is a call to action. We now have a chance to equip those on the front lines of this crisis with the training they need to make a difference.”

Through this partnership, Avon South Africa is focused on addressing not only the physical effects of GBV but also the social justice aspect.

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Ndumiso Mngomezulu, director of brand and integrated communication at Avon South Africa, said: “Gender-based violence is an injustice that leaves women vulnerable to harm, and we are committed to changing that.”

Mngomezulu explained that this programme is about empowerment, not just for survivors, but for the entire community. “We want to ensure everyone knows how to recognise the signs of abuse and knows what to do to help.”

She added that the programme is part of Avon’s global Love Strong campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the subtle signs of abuse beyond physical violence. “One in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. It is a global epidemic, and we must act now. Our goal is to ensure survivors are heard, believed, and supported, and to equip communities with the tools they need to identify and respond to abuse.”

She highlighted that, starting in early 2025, the TEARS Foundation will lead a nationwide rollout of the survivor-centred summit and training programme. “This training will focus on two key areas, unravelling the amended domestic violence act, which looks at the changes to the domestic violence act that came into effect in 2023, and empowering change, which focuses on trauma-informed care and creating support networks for survivors.”

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