Orange Shield Initiative
Providing Safe Spaces for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
About the Initiative
The Orange Shield Initiative is a ground-breaking campaign to bring dignity back to Victim Safe Rooms across South Africa. These dedicated spaces will provide a secure and confidential environment for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) to report incidents and receive immediate support.
Why the Orange the Orange Shield Matters:
Women and children face humiliation and fear when reporting abuse in public spaces. Our shelters offer a safe and respectful alternative, ensuring their dignity and privacy are protected.
- Sponsor a Shelter: Help fund the installation of a GBV care shelter at a police station. Your contribution provides a vital safe space for survivors.
- Donate: Every donation, big or small, helps us bring this initiative to more communities.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission and raise awareness about the need for private GBV reporting spaces.
Story 1
Glenda Mkhize Story:
“I walked into the Nongoma Clinic, my body still aching from the blows, my heart pounding with fear. I needed help, but as I stood there, surrounded by strangers, I felt every eye turn toward me. There was no private room, no quiet corner — just an open space where I was expected to recount every painful detail of my abuse. The nurses barely looked up at me as I spoke, and I could feel the eyes of strangers judging me. I felt exposed, humiliated, and alone. I left without getting examined, convinced that every one was making comments, laughing at me,
no one would help me.”
Story 2
Belinda Van Graan
“She was just 11 years old. Terrified and confused, she sat in the busy police station in Brakpan, clutching her grandmother’s hand. She had been hurt by someone she trusted, but now, she was surrounded by strangers, forced to speak about things she barely understood. Placed in a room full of papers, documents, broken chairs and the smell of cigarette.When asked to describe what happened, her voice faltered, and she froze. She couldn’t say the words; they got stuck in her throat. The officer’s impatience only made it worse.“
Story 3
Nabeela Pillay
“She had finally gathered the courage to report her abuser. after public humiliation, She knew the risk, but she felt she had no choice. At a nearby mall, she found the security office and began recounting her story, her voice trembling with fear and resolve. As she spoke, she noticed the door open — her abuser had walked in. In a split second, he drew a gun and fired. She was shot dead before anyone could intervene, right there in front of the officers and witnesses, while trying to seek protection. Her desperate attempt to find safety ended in tragedy, all because there was no secure, private space where she could have safely told her story.“
