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The scourge of domestic violence, rape and abuse reaches far beyond just the victim and their immediate family, it reaches even beyond their community - it reaches out and affects entire nations.
International studies have shown that this scourge costs countries billions of dollars each year - in medical costs, legal costs and in lost production while the victim recuperates, seeks alternative accommodation and puts her life back together.
Living Waters does not offer a one stop solution to this problem, but does offer the victim a safe haven in which to recuperate and make informed decisions on their futures.
Living Waters operates four safe houses, situated in East London, which serve not only the women and children of the Buffalo City region, but the entire nation. Victims are referred to the safe house program by the South African Police Service, the Magistrates Court, Social Development Organisations, hospitals, social workers and other professionals, and may stay for up to three months, depending on the victim’s situation.
During their stay at the safe house the victims are encouraged and empowered to overcome their situation, and become victors as opposed to victims. Life is kept as normal as possible for the victims, if they are employed or studying they’re encouraged to continue, should they be unemployed or temporarily unable to return to their place of work, they are encouraged to make use of the skills training program offered at the Living Waters Centre.
During their stay, they continue to work closely with their social worker/counsellor in preparation leaving the safe house, and becoming independent contributors to society, who have overcome their challenges.
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