Rise Against Domestic Violence SA

About Rise Against Domestic Violence SA

Rise Against Domestic Violence SA (RISE) was founded in 2020 by Zenda-Lee Williams, an accredited divorce and family mediator and survivor of domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, and cybercrimes including revenge pornography. The organisation was built from lived experience, with a mission to ensure that no survivor faces abuse alone — regardless of their gender, background, or financial means. RISE is registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) and operates entirely online, making its services accessible to survivors anywhere in South Africa.

Uniquely, RISE accepts no external funding, grants, or sponsorships, choosing full financial independence to ensure their work remains solely focused on survivor needs without influence or compromise.

Legal Guidance

One of RISE's most distinctive offerings is free legal guidance for unrepresented survivors. Volunteer legal professionals assist with domestic violence and GBV cases, protection orders, divorce matters, child and spousal maintenance, assault charges, and related criminal proceedings. RISE does not represent survivors in court, but equips them with the information and support to navigate the legal system themselves. They collaborate with the SLSJ Law Clinic — the first online domestic violence law clinic in South Africa — which completed its inaugural programme in 2025 and continues from 2026.

Counselling and Survivor Support

In partnership with Humanitas, RISE provides free online counselling sessions with volunteers and interns for survivors and for individuals seeking to change abusive behaviours. Their Survivor Support Programme delivers tailored assistance to all survivors through a trauma-informed approach. RISE also facilitates dedicated WhatsApp support groups — for legal guidance, and separately for women and men — providing community, peer support, and direct access to resources.

RISE in Blue — SAPS Partnership

RISE runs a dedicated SAPS-facing programme called RISE in Blue, working directly with police officers to improve how GBV and domestic violence cases are handled at station level. This reflects their systemic approach: supporting survivors directly while also strengthening the institutions survivors must navigate.

Access and Inclusivity

All services are free and delivered online, removing geographic and financial barriers to access. RISE explicitly serves all genders and is LGBTQ+ affirming. New survivors can begin the process by completing the Survivor Intake Form on the RISE website. Note that RISE is not an emergency service — survivors in immediate danger should contact SAPS on 10111.