Restore hope to sexual abuse survivors in Zambia

Empowering Law Enforcement to Support Survivors

In Lusaka we conducted training with 26 law enforcement officers and the workshop highlighted how institutional weaknesses like understaffing and lack of trauma – informed protocols undermine justice for survivors. The officers valued the content which focused ontrauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches in dealing with survivors of abuse.

A deeply moving moment came during a trauma awareness session , where a female officer shared her story of narrowly escaping rape as a child. She described her attacker, her fear, and the silence she maintained for months until she finally disclosed what happened. Her testimony revealed the lifelong emotional toll of abuse and the years it took to trust again even into adulthood.

“That experience made me hate all men. I never thought I’d find peace again but through prayer, counselling, and time, I healed.”– Workshop participant, Lusaka

Her story was a powerful reminder that survivors are not just case files, they are people carrying deep wounds and resilient hope

Another officer shared that  ‘’Now I don’t see someone as being difficult when they say they don’t remember something during an interview – I see someone whose been through something painful. That helps me to ask better questions, listen more and be patient.”

Community Workshops

We conducted workshops with 20 youth and 20 women in Lusaka, focusing on understanding and preventing church abuse, creating safe spaces for participants to share their experiences, explore healing, understanding trauma – informed support and power dynamics.

Youth Engagement:

At the end of the workshop the young people learnt about the different forms of abuse and dynamics, they expressed a strong desire to raise awareness within their churches and communities and there was a clear call for more workshops and youth friendly resources.

“We have really learned a lot and wish we had more time to continue learning. We can’t wait for you to come back; we need more of these workshops.”- Lusaka Youth

Women's Empowerment:

Most of the women who were in attendance appreciated that facilitators used local languages, which helped them to easily grasp the key concepts. A recurring concern was fear of reporting abuse, especially in close-knit circles where whistleblowers might face backlash. One woman shared that she stopped attending a particular church because she was emotionally mistreated by church leadership. “This training gave me the words for what I experienced; it was abuse. She said”

They were especially interested in learning more about the Anti-GBV Act, recognizing the importance of legal literacy in protecting themselves and others.

You Are Part of Someone’s Healing Story

Because of you, survivors of church-related sexual abuse are finding safety, support, and the courage to heal. Every workshop, every conversation with law enforcement, every community gathering—these are not just activities. They are lifelines. They are moments where someone feels seen, heard, and believed for the first time.

Your generosity is helping us build communities where survivors are no longer silenced, but empowered. Where justice is not just a word, but a reality we pursue together. You are helping us train allies, educate protectors, and create spaces where healing can begin.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your support is not just appreciated—it’s transformative. Together, we are changing lives.