How the Community Intervention Centre in Cape Town is helping survivors of gender-based violence
12 April 2021 5:01PM UTC
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By:
Megan Gieske
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Megan Gieske is a storyteller and photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Behind the Table View police station in Milnerton, Cape Town, the Community Intervention Centre, painted a dazzling white, shines as a beacon of hope for women fleeing gender-based violence. Two women, Tam and Duduzile, sit in the welcome area. They are champions of women’s empowerment who are retelling their stories to anyone feeling trapped in the same circumstances they faced.
The mission of the Community Intervention Centre (CIC) is “to empower people in crisis.” They’re a free 24-hour trauma intervention and support center, providing up to six free counseling sessions, and a free 24-hour helpline in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Zulu, and Xitsonga. Their helpline is open to anyone who needs it, including healthcare workers overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.