Legal Aid for Victims of Domestic Violence in SA

Under our comprehensive and holistic approach, Lawyers against Abuse (LvA) recognises that violence is often inter-generational and seeks to provide support to others affected by the violence. Here is a story of one family, where a daughter's decision to seek help from LvA resulted in her family experiencing safety after 15 years of abuse.   

In early 2020, 20-year-old Thembeka* was referred to LvA for support. She had been sexually abused by her step-father as a child and had witnessed his ongoing physical abuse of her mother for over 15 years. As a result, she did not feel safe at home and experienced severe anxiety when in public spaces. While Thembeka’s mother was against her taking legal action against her step-father as he was the breadwinner in the home, she knew she had to speak to someone and started attending drama therapy sessions at LvA.

Over the next year, Thembeka worked with LvA’s drama therapist to process her trauma, regulate her anxiety, re-affirm her self-worth and gain confidence in expressing her needs. At the end of the year, Thembeka recited a poem she had written titled ‘Challenges of a Child Growing Up in Diepsloot’ at a holiday party for LvA’s clients and their families, including Thembeka’s mother, Mpumelelo*. Mpumelelo had an opportunity to meet LvA’s social worker at the holiday party and, having witnessed the positive changes in Thembeka over the previous year, agreed to receive counselling.    

Mpumelelo started attending counselling sessions in February 2021 and was committed to her personal growth. Her sessions focused both on strengthening her capacity as a mother and on the abuse she was experiencing at the hands of her partner. Over the next five months, Mpumelelo explored the possibility of leaving her abusive partner. She worked with LvA’s social worker to devise a plan, including identifying family members who could assist. Mpumelelo also agreed to work with LvA’s legal team to apply for a protection order and was granted a Final Protection Order against her partner. Shortly thereafter, Mpumelelo bravely packed her and her children’s belongings and left her abusive partner.

Because of Thembeka and Mpumelelo’s courageous actions, they are finally safe and feel truly happy for the first time in 15 years. With their newfound freedom, Mpumelelo and Thembeka have both secured employment and are now financially independent. Mpumelelo is committed to continuing her growth journey with LvA and strengthening her relationship with her daughter. Thembeka and Mpumelelo expressed their gratitude to LvA for always supporting them without any judgement.

*Names changed to protect client confidentiality.