The Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project Group (GRIP)

GRIP was founded in 2000 in Nelspruit in direct response to the catastrophically high rates of rape and HIV infection among child rape survivors in Mpumalanga's Lowveld communities. Today it is the province's most extensive GBV organisation — with its head office in Mbombela and branches or care rooms in Masoyi, Kabokweni, KaNyamazane, Barberton, Hazyview, Tonga/Shongwe, White River, Malelane, Matsulu, and Lydenburg. Over 96% of the survivors they serve come from disadvantaged, under-resourced communities — areas with poor infrastructure, no street lighting, unsafe public transport, minimal police presence, high unemployment, overcrowding, and limited educational facilities. These are communities where GBV thrives in silence, and where GRIP is often the only structured support available.

Their model — the GRIP Circle of Care — is built on the understanding that a survivor's journey does not end at the hospital or police station. It spans crisis response, medical and legal navigation, shelter, healing, and economic independence.

What They Offer Survivors

Care Rooms at Police Stations, Hospitals, and Courts GRIP has embedded experienced First Responders and qualified Social Workers directly at points of entry — police stations, hospitals, and courts — across the Mpumalanga Lowveld. When a survivor reports an assault or arrives at a hospital, a GRIP worker is there immediately. They do not have to navigate the system alone.

Two Residential Shelters — Up to 6 Months GRIP operates two full residential shelters for women and children fleeing GBV, offering stays of up to 6 months. Residents have access to social workers and social auxiliary workers 24 hours a day, nutritious meals, childcare, and daily support through their recovery. Vegetable gardens at the shelters supplement food provision and build life skills.

Trauma Counselling — Confidential and Free Comprehensive, confidential trauma counselling is available to survivors of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence — provided by GRIP's trained counsellors at care rooms, shelters, and through home visits.

Court Preparation and Legal Support GRIP prepares survivors to become effective witnesses in court — navigating a justice process that can otherwise be overwhelming, hostile, and re-traumatising. Their goal is that every survivor who wants justice can pursue it.

Home Visit and Post-Assault Aftercare After an immediate crisis response, GRIP conducts ongoing home visits — providing post-assault care, follow-up counselling, and support to ensure survivors do not fall through the cracks after leaving the hospital or shelter.

Dignity Packs for Survivors GRIP provides dignity packs — containing essential toiletry and hygiene items — to survivors at the moment of crisis. Like the Jes Foord Foundation's Handbags, these packs carry a quiet, powerful message: you are worth caring for.

Skills Development and Employment Support Shelter residents receive skills development training, CV creation support, and job application assistance — building pathways to economic independence and a life beyond the shelter.

Community and School Awareness GRIP runs GBV prevention programmes in communities and schools across the Lowveld — reaching people before violence happens and building a culture where survivors are believed and supported.

HIV/AIDS Counselling and Testing Given GRIP's founding context — the devastating HIV transmission rates among rape survivors in Mpumalanga — HIV counselling, testing, and treatment linkage remain a core part of their service.

GRIP operates across the Mpumalanga Lowveld from their Nelspruit head office. Facebook: facebook.com/GRIPNPO. Visit gripnpo.co.za to donate, volunteer, or find your nearest care room.