A necessary exit – steps to leave an abusive relationship Planning a safe exit from an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Putting the emotional trauma of leaving an abusive relationship aside, legally, a number of steps need to be taken to ensure long-term safety; protection orders, divorce settlements and maintenance payments, will

09 September 2014 – World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day is held each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month (09.09am on the 09th of 09). An estimated 25 000 babies are born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa, this is the highest reported incidence

Incidents of assault, kidnapping and child human trafficking are being reported almost daily in the Western Cape. The Saartjie Baartman Centre, a facility for abused women and children, has seen a 65% increase in the need for services over the last few years, with child services near the top of this list. This month marks

Survivors of abuse find freedom through dance Cape Town, 14 May 2014 – A New York based dance team, Gibney Dance, will next week visit the Saartjie Baartman Centre to host a number of workshops and training sessions aimed at helping women at the shelter to explore common issues, address group dynamics and learn movement

“Child abuse is on the increase,” Director of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children, Shaheema McLeod said at the launch of the Centre’s annual anti violence campaign – Air Your Dirty Laundry. “Child abuse is driven by poverty, lack of adequate childcare facilities, substance abuse and a scourge of gang violence, specifically on

While domestic abuse and sexual violence are familiar headlines in the Western Cape and South Africa, the Saartjie Baartman Centre works around the clock to provide services and an emergency shelter to women and children who are victims of abuse. Director of the Centre, Shaheema McLeod is a well-respected voice on gender rights locally and