Jes Foord Foundation Rape Crisis Centre

In 2008, Jes Foord was gang-raped by four men. Instead of remaining silent, she made a decision that would shape thousands of lives: she spoke out, told her story, and built an organisation in her own name to ensure other survivors would never feel alone. The Jes Foord Foundation (JFF) exists because of one woman's refusal to let rape define her, and her insistence that it would not define others either. Their mission is expressed across three pillars: Educate. Aware. Support. — and every programme they run serves all three simultaneously.

As of 2023, JFF has reached over 450,000 school-aged children through awareness lectures, distributed 54,450 Handbags to rape crisis centres (60% to child survivors), and provided free trauma counselling to survivors of all ages.

What They Offer Survivors

Free Trauma Counselling — Any Age, Any Time JFF offers free individual trauma counselling to any survivor of rape, molestation, or sexual assault — regardless of age, and regardless of whether the assault happened recently or many years ago. Family members and loved ones who have been affected by a survivor's trauma can also access counselling. Counsellors are trained with a primary commitment to the full restoration and healing of each person. To book counselling, call 0861 333 449 or email info@jff.org.za.

The Handbag Project JFF's most iconic programme: donated handbags are filled with essential toiletries — soap, sanitary pads, underwear, a comforting note — and for children, toys and art therapy materials. These bags are distributed to rape crisis centres, Thuthuzela Care Centres, and police stations across South Africa. By 2023, 54,450 bags had been distributed. For a survivor arriving at a hospital or police station with nothing, a Handbag is a quiet, powerful act of love that says: you matter.

Awareness Talks — Schools, Workplaces, Organisations JFF's Awareness Talks programme brings trained speakers into schools, universities, workplaces, and community organisations to talk openly and age-appropriately about rape, consent, human rights, and what to do if you have been assaulted. Delivered in both English and Zulu across KZN and nationally, these talks have reduced stigma for thousands of survivors and prompted 12% of learners who attended to seek counselling. To book a talk, contact Trish on trish@jff.org.za or 0861 333 449.

Learner Awareness Impact Programme (LAIP) A six-week in-depth programme for high school learners covering personal rights, consent, "no means no," and how to respond if you or someone you know has been raped — going far deeper than a single awareness talk.

Young Men's Mentorship Programme JFF engages boys and young men — addressing the root causes of sexual violence by building healthy masculine identity, empathy, and accountability from a young age.

JFF's free trauma counselling is available to any rape survivor in South Africa, regardless of location. Call 0861 333 449 Monday to Friday to book. All counselling is FREE and confidential.