PATCH Helderberg Child Abuse Centre

PATCH (Helderberg Child Abuse Centre) is a specialist non-profit organisation based in Somerset West dedicated entirely to child survivors of sexual abuse. Serving the broader Helderberg Basin, PATCH provides professional therapeutic and legal support services to children who have experienced sexual violence — along with their families. Their mission is built around three words: Hope. Help. Heal.

PATCH is specifically relevant to you if you are a parent, caregiver, or family member of a child survivor, or if you are an adult who experienced childhood sexual abuse and are now ready to access support.

What They Offer Survivors and Their Families

24-Hour Crisis Service PATCH operates a 24-hour crisis response service for child survivors of sexual abuse, staffed by trained and dedicated voluntary crisis workers. If your child has just experienced abuse, you do not need to face that night alone.

Professional Therapeutic Services A range of therapeutic support is provided by qualified social workers and psychological counsellors, available across PATCH's centres in the Helderberg area. These sessions are tailored to the specific emotional and developmental needs of child survivors, helping them process trauma in age-appropriate, compassionate ways.

Forensic Investigation Services PATCH provides professional forensic investigative services — conducting child-centred interviews to gather evidence in a way that minimises further trauma to the child. This is a specialist, sensitive process requiring specific training, and PATCH's team is equipped to handle it.

Court Preparation and Support Appearing in court is terrifying for any child. PATCH provides comprehensive court preparation for child survivors and their families, helping them understand what to expect, preparing them for testimony, and supporting them through every stage of the criminal justice process. Preparation sessions are also made available to child witnesses.

Family and Caregiver Support PATCH recognises that when a child is abused, the whole family is affected. They help parents and caregivers understand the effects of sexual abuse, how to support their child through the healing process, and how to navigate the difficult steps that follow disclosure.

Prevention and Awareness Programmes PATCH runs education and awareness workshops for youth and parents across the Helderberg, equipping communities with the knowledge to recognise abuse, respond appropriately, and create safer environments for children.

Satellite Offices In addition to the Somerset West main office, PATCH operates satellite offices across the Helderberg Basin, expanding access to communities throughout the region.

PATCH serves child survivors and their families. If you are an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, PATCH can help connect you with appropriate therapeutic support.