TEARS Foundation has launched the “Soothing the Nation” campaign to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV). In South Africa, we have strong laws addressing gender-based violence (GBV), but implementation and accountability often fall short.
Consequently, these laws frequently fail to address the aftermath of rape, leaving survivors struggling to process the physical and emotional devastation of sexual violence.
This broken system has led to a lack of trust and uncertainty about where survivors can turn for help.
“To provide victims with the support they need, we must change our perception of and approach to helping survivors. They are not just statistics or trends. They are individuals carrying the trauma of abuse alongside the burdens of disbelief, stigma, shame, self-blame, and fear of retaliation,” says Mara Glennie, founder and CEO of TEARS Foundation, as well as a GBV survivor and advocate.
These compounding factors silence victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child abuse, and other forms of GBV, even as calls to speak up and break the silence grow louder.
It’s not surprising that many victims hesitate to come forward, unsure of who they can trust to hear, believe, and support them without judgment.
To address this, TEARS Foundation, one of South Africa’s leading anti-GBV organisations, has launched the “Soothing the Nation” campaign
This heartfelt initiative aims to tackle the GBV crisis by reassuring survivors that there is a trusted place they can turn to for help.
By providing free, confidential assistance 24/7, TEARS Foundation acts as a beacon of hope and support for survivors of all forms of abuse.
The organisation has become a national symbol of hope, known for its groundbreaking work in crisis intervention, survivor advocacy, counselling, and education.
It creates safe pathways to recovery through a comprehensive network that connects survivors to emergency shelters, medical care, child-friendly centres, and legal assistance.
The team also assists with police follow-ups, protection orders, and strategies for safely escaping abusive situations.
TEARS Foundation leverages innovative technology to make support easily accessible across multiple platforms:
- Toll-Free Helpline: Call 08000 TEARS (08000 83277) for immediate, confidential assistance.
- Free USSD Service: Dial 134 7355# for SMS-based help locating nearby support centres.
- Direct Line: Call 010 590 5920 (standard rates apply).
- WhatsApp: Message 066 435 3108.
- Support Locator: Visit tears.storefind.mobi to find local support facilities.
- Email Support: Contact [email protected] for additional guidance.
Through innovation, compassion, and unwavering dedication, TEARS Foundation ensures that no survivor has to face violence alone.
The “Soothing the Nation” video campaign was produced by creative communications agency DarkMatter, with contributions from sound engineer Kevin Leicher at Jazzworx and vocals by the Johannesburg Queer Chorus.
Check out the video HERE
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