About Callas Foundation
We advocate for women, childrenΒ and men by providing services suchΒ as community outreach,Β psychosocial support and access toΒ justice, in order to dismantleΒ systems that favour men overΒ women.
While the main target constituency of the Callas foundation is women, the organisation acknowledges the importance of working in an integrated approach.
Callas FoundationΒ responds to a range of challenges faced in communities. In this respect, Programs are focused on creating sustainable communities, providing prevention and response of services to victims of gender-based violence, and strengthening food security.
In addition, it believes that the strengthening of the family is paramount in addressing Gender Based Violence.Β
Access to Justice
For many survivors of Gender Based Violence, navigating the criminal justice system can be intimidating. Callas Foundation assist survivors and families to navigate the criminal justice system by ensuring that they are aware of their rights. This way survivors and families gain a better understanding of not only the processes but also how the process affects them as survivors and secondary survivors of Gender Based Violence.
- Court Support
- Legal Advise & referral
Psychosocial Support
Psychosocial support addresses a personβs emotional, social, mental and spiritual needs- all essential in promoting wellbeing. Callas Foundation understands the importance of psychosocial support for survivors of Gender Based-Violence not only for persons who have escaped or survived Gender Based Violence, but also for persons are still victims of Gender Based Violence.
- Counselling
- Support Groups
- Assessment & referral
Community Outreach
With a variety of outreach initiatives, including our commendable community kitchen program, we provide essential resources to 700 individuals four times a week. This endeavour, powered by our dedicated team and benevolent sponsors, aims to uplift and empower the mostΒ vulnerable.
Training GBV Ambassadors & First Responders
- Tackling systemic barriers that obstruct women's access to justice.
- Nurturing a group of women and men as frontline GBV responders.
- Strengthening referral networks to bridge gaps in support services for survivors.
- Providing intensive five-day training sessions for frontline GBV responders.
- Developing and optimizing referral pathways, strengthening survivors paths to justice.
Boys Programme (BBB β Building Bonding Beyond)
Helping in our way
Community Outreach
Callas is foundation runs support group for women who seek reprieve from domestic violence as well as substance abuse. The foundation assists women in seeking shelter services and also provides a human survivors of sexual and domestic violence with support. This work has played an instrumental role in highlighting the impact of GBV on the lives of a woman and how often GBV leads to womanβs involvement in crime in one way or another. At least two women in a support group of 12 of facing criminal charges as a direct result of GBV.Β
Caroline also provide support services to families of victims affected domestic violence as well as to the families of women who have died as a result of femicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation for our organization?
Callas Foundation is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
How can individuals benefit from our services?
Our services help individuals navigate the legal system, receive emotional support during court proceedings, and gain access to counseling services. Additionally, our community kitchens provide nourishing meals for those facing food insecurity.
What is Gender Based Violence
GBV is violence directed against a person because of that person's gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately.
Violence against women is understood as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women and shall mean all acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in
- physical harm,
- sexual harm,
- psychological,
- or economic harm
- or suffering to women.
It can include violence against women, domestic violence against women, men or children living in the same domestic unit. Although women and girls are the main victims of GBV, it also causes severe harm to families and communities.
What to do if you or somebody you know has been raped?
First Response:Β Your goal is to stay alive and get to a safe place as soon as possible!
Contact a friend or family member:Β The first person you tell about the rape is called the βfirst witnessβ. This person may need to make a statement to the police about your condition and, if possible, should accompany you to the hospital or police station.
What not to do:Β Do not wash yourself or throw away your clothes, no matter how much you want to. There might be hair, blood or semen on your body or clothes that can be used as evidence of the rape. Put your clothes in a paper bag.
If you were drunk or stoned at the time of the rape: Donβt let that stop you from reporting the matter and getting medical treatment β being intoxicated is not a crime, rape is!
Try and remember:Β Provide as many details as you can of the incident to the person helping you. This may serve as useful evidence.
Dealing with the police:Β Initially, only a brief statement is required from you. Make sure you read over the statement before signing it. You can provide a more detailed statement later. Ask for a copy of your statement. If you fear retribution or intimidation from the rapist/s, make sure the police are aware of this and ask that the rapist not be allowed out on bail, or apply for a protection order.
At the police station you have the RIGHT to:
- Make your statement in a private room
- Make your statement to a female oο¬cer (if there is one)
- Make your statement in your own language
- Have a friend or family member with you for support
Ask for a copy of your statement (you are entitled to by law), write down the name of the investigating oο¬cer, case number and the phone number for the police station so you can call to check progress of your case. Remember, you are not alone!
Read more or download your toolkit : 10 things to do if you or somebody you know has been raped.Β
Information by:Β RapeCrises.org
Gallery & Videos
South African GBV statistics in Context
We have witnessed the courageous stories of women and children who have survived gender-based violence in the past three years. Unfortunately, the rate of Femicide has increased by 117% in South Africa, prompting women to rally behind hashtags like #EnoughisEnough, #AmINext, and #SpeakOut.
We commend these brave women and young women who have shared their stories, inspiring and supporting others who have carried the burden of trauma for years. This surge in trauma and vulnerability has led both women and men to seek support and assistance in dealing with unresolved trauma.
While there are various organizations and helplines available to offer support, individuals often struggle to find the information they need or simply need someone to talk to in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Feeling unsafe in public places has become a common experience for many.
Our country carries a heavy burden of trauma, stemming from historical events like apartheid as well as current living conditions. The prevalence of violence has reached alarming levels, resembling an epidemic. Professional services alone cannot solve these issues or provide enough help to those affected by violence and trauma.
To restore safety in communities, individuals must become safe persons themselves, first by understanding their own triggers and responding appropriately without causing harm. Once individuals can create safety within themselves and their own families, they can extend that safety to others. This transformation will enable communities to become empowered and break free from the “war zone” mentality characterized by survival mode and trauma responses.
Our organization aims to foster safe spaces within communities and empower individuals to become agents of change.
Together, we can build resilient communities where everyone feels secure and supported.
Women murdered between 2021/2022 according to (SSA)
Rapes occurred between October & December of 2021 (SSA)
%
Females experiences physical violence by a Partner. (SSA)
An average of kidnappings are reported per month (SSA)
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We advocate for women, children and men by providing services such as community Outreach, Psychosocial support an access to justice to dismantle systems that favor men over women.