The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children (SBCWC) is one of South Africa's most comprehensive centres for survivors of gender-based violence. Opened in 1999 in direct response to the devastating rates of violence against women and children on the Cape Flats, it was the first "one-stop" centre of its kind in South Africa — and in 2024, it became the only nationally accredited Khuseleka One Stop Centre in the Western Cape. In over 25 years of operation, the Centre has assisted more than 260,000 women and children survivors of GBV.

Their approach brings together social workers, medical professionals, legal practitioners, and trauma counsellors all under one roof — so that you do not have to navigate multiple systems alone. Every service is free.

Their message to survivors: "Reach out to SBCWC and we will do everything we can to guide, shelter, and counsel you. Your pain will pass, and your journey toward healing begins with us."

They explicitly welcome all women and non-binary individuals, and provide LGBTQI+ community support, including referrals to LGBTQI+-affirming shelters.

What They Offer Survivors

24-Hour Crisis Response and Emergency Shelter If you need to leave a dangerous situation, SBCWC provides 24-hour emergency shelter for women and their children. On average, the centre houses 22 women and 35 children at any one time for stays of up to four months. Trained staff are on duty at all times, every day of the year including public holidays.

Psycho-Social Support and Counselling SBCWC provides ongoing psychological and emotional support to residents and community members, including dedicated children's counselling — because children who witness or experience abuse need support too.

Medical Services An on-site medical service provides healthcare, including specialised services for rape and sexual assault survivors, and HIV and AIDS support — including access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and HIV testing.

Legal Assistance Programme SBCWC has relaunched its legal assistance programme to help the most vulnerable survivors — including shelter residents and community members — understand their rights and navigate the legal system. Access to legal help can be the critical turning point in escaping an abusive relationship safely.

Thuthuzela Care Centre Access SBCWC assists survivors in accessing Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) for 24-hour forensic and medical care following sexual assault.

Substance Abuse Programme Abuse and addiction often intersect. SBCWC offers a substance abuse programme to support survivors who are also dealing with these challenges.

Accredited Job Skills Training The Centre offers accredited skills training to help survivors build financial independence — because economic dependency can be one of the biggest barriers to leaving an abusive situation for good.

Transitional Housing For survivors who are ready to move on from emergency shelter but not yet fully independent, SBCWC also provides transitional housing.

Community Outreach and Prevention SBCWC reaches far beyond its walls — running awareness campaigns, community education programmes, and youth outreach to prevent violence at a community level.

All services are FREE and available 365 days a year.