Women’s Month may be drawing to a close, but the challenges facing many women continue beyond August. Across Gauteng, women experiencing domestic violence, gender based violence, sexual violence or abuse have access to legal protection, emergency shelters, specialised healthcare, counselling services and dedicated support centres throughout the year.
As South Africa reflects on Women’s Month 2026, government departments continue to encourage women to seek help when they need it and remind communities that support services remain available every day. From protection orders and emergency helplines to Thuthuzela Care Centres and SAPS victim support services, several resources exist to assist survivors and improve access to justice.
According to government, strengthening women’s safety remains a national priority through legislation, victim support programmes and coordinated responses aimed at preventing and responding to gender based violence and femicide.
Women’s Month May End, But Support Continues Throughout the Year
Women’s Month commemorates the historic 1956 Women’s March, when around 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest apartheid pass laws.
While August highlights women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for equality, government says protecting women cannot be limited to one month.
Support services continue operating throughout the year to assist women experiencing abuse, violence and exploitation.
These include emergency accommodation, counselling, medical care, legal assistance and specialised police services.
South Africa Has Strengthened Laws That Protect Women
Over the past few years, South Africa has introduced several legislative changes aimed at strengthening protection for victims of gender based violence.
These include:
- The National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide Act, which established a statutory body to coordinate the country’s response to GBVF.
- The Domestic Violence Amendment Act, which broadened the legal definition of abuse to include coercive control, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse and economic abuse.
- The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, which expanded protections for victims and strengthened the National Register for Sex Offenders.
- The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, which introduced stricter bail and parole measures for certain offenders.
According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, these amendments are intended to improve protection for victims while strengthening the criminal justice system’s response to gender based violence.
Protection Orders Can Help Prevent Further Abuse
Women experiencing domestic violence can apply for a protection order through their nearest Magistrate’s Court.
Protection orders may prohibit an alleged abuser from:
- Contacting the complainant.
- Entering the complainant’s home or workplace.
- Committing further acts of violence or intimidation.
- Harassing or threatening the complainant.
According to the Department of Justice, protection orders are free to apply for and remain one of the most important legal remedies available to victims of domestic violence.
Thuthuzela Care Centres Offer Comprehensive Support
Survivors of sexual violence can access specialised assistance through Thuthuzela Care Centres.
These facilities provide integrated services, including:
- Emergency medical treatment.
- Collection of forensic evidence.
- Trauma counselling.
- Assistance with opening criminal cases.
- Access to prosecutors and investigators.
Several Thuthuzela Care Centres operate across Gauteng, including facilities at:
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
- Tembisa Hospital.
- Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital.
- Lenasia South Hospital.
- Kopanong Hospital.
- Mamelodi Day Hospital.
- Laudium Community Health Centre.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the centres aim to reduce secondary trauma by providing coordinated support in one location.
Shelters Provide Safe Accommodation
Women who need to leave abusive environments may be referred to accredited shelters supported through the Department of Social Development and partner organisations.
Shelters generally provide:
- Emergency accommodation.
- Meals and basic necessities.
- Trauma counselling.
- Social work services.
- Assistance with protection orders.
- Referrals for healthcare and legal services.
- Support for children accompanying their mothers.
For security reasons, the locations of many shelters are not publicly advertised.
Women requiring emergency accommodation can contact Social Development, SAPS or the GBV Command Centre for assistance.
Emergency Numbers Every Woman Should Save
Government encourages women to keep important emergency numbers readily available.
Gender Based Violence Command Centre
0800 428 428
Please Call Me Service
1207867#
SMS
31531
SAPS Emergency
10111
Stop Gender Violence Helpline
0800 150 150
Women can also approach any SAPS station, public hospital or Thuthuzela Care Centre if immediate assistance is required.
Safety Planning Can Save Lives
Professionals recommend that women experiencing ongoing abuse prepare a safety plan where possible.
This may include:
- Keeping copies of important documents.
- Having emergency contacts available.
- Identifying a trusted family member or friend.
- Knowing the nearest police station.
- Keeping emergency phone numbers accessible.
- Planning a safe place to go if immediate danger arises.
Government says no one should remain in a dangerous situation because they believe help is unavailable.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Women’s Month serves as a reminder of both the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the work that still lies ahead.
While South Africa has strengthened legislation and expanded victim support services, awareness remains equally important. Many survivors are unaware of the protection orders, shelters, counselling services and specialised care available to them.
For Gauteng residents, knowing where to seek help can make a significant difference during a crisis. Whether through SAPS, Social Development, Thuthuzela Care Centres or the GBV Command Centre, support remains available throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can women experiencing abuse get immediate help?
Women facing immediate danger should contact SAPS on 10111 or the Gender Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Are shelters available in Gauteng?
Yes. Accredited shelters supported through government and partner organisations provide emergency accommodation and support services for women and children fleeing abuse.
What is a Thuthuzela Care Centre?
A Thuthuzela Care Centre is a specialised facility that provides medical care, counselling, forensic services and legal support to survivors of sexual violence.
Can emotional or financial abuse qualify as domestic violence?
Yes. The Domestic Violence Amendment Act recognises emotional, psychological, coercive, spiritual and economic abuse alongside physical violence.
Is it free to apply for a protection order?
Yes. According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, protection orders are available free of charge through Magistrates’ Courts.
Support Does Not End When Women’s Month Ends
Women’s Month raises awareness about gender equality and women’s rights, but the need for protection and support continues throughout the year.
South Africa’s legal framework, shelters, specialised healthcare facilities, emergency helplines and victim support services are intended to ensure that women experiencing violence or abuse have access to assistance when they need it most. For Gauteng residents, understanding these services and how to access them can help ensure that support remains within reach long after Women’s Month has ended.
