The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence & Torture Trust

The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture is a non-governmental human rights organisation founded in Cape Town in 1993, rooted in the courage of those who fought for a non-violent, democratic South Africa. For over 30 years, their mission has been to make quality mental health care accessible to disadvantaged communities who cannot afford private therapy — communities often most deeply affected by violence. They work across the Western Cape Metropole, providing counselling services in Woodstock and directly inside township communities.

Their vision is simple but powerful: a non-violent South Africa where human rights are respected and every person — no matter their background — can access healing.

What They Offer Survivors

Individual Trauma Counselling At the heart of what the Trauma Centre does is therapeutic counselling for survivors of violence, sexual violence, and torture. Their registered counsellors provide one-on-one sessions in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. Counselling helps you make sense of what happened, understand how trauma affects you, and start the process of healing.

Community-Based Clinics (Township Outreach) The Trauma Centre brings counselling directly into the communities where survivors live — including weekly sessions at community centres and police stations in: - Manenberg - Delft - Kraaifontein - Belhar - Bishop Lavis - Langa - Bonteheuwel - Heideveld - Athlone - Wesbank

This means you may not need to travel far to access support — a counsellor may be available in your own neighbourhood.

Children's Trauma Counselling Counselling is available for children as well as adults — recognising that children are also deeply affected by violence in the home and community.

Victim Friendly Room (VFR) Support The Trauma Centre trains Victim Friendly Room volunteers at SAPS police stations across the Western Cape — meaning that when you report abuse or assault, there are specially trained people in place to support you at the police station.

Violence Prevention Programmes The Trauma Centre runs community theatre, advocacy, and awareness initiatives to prevent violence at a community level — because healing a society requires both treating trauma and stopping violence before it happens.

Bereavement Counselling Counselling is also available for grief, bereavement, and loss — including for families affected by violent deaths.

Services are free or low cost, with a focus on serving those who cannot afford private mental health care.