Stop.
Take a moment before the playlists, braais, and last-minute shopping are overtaken by the Christmas buzz.
Because someone close to you can be counting down to danger while many are counting down to relaxation and celebration. An employee. An aunt. One neighbour. Their December may be filled with anxiety rather than happiness.
And although the official 16 Days of Activism campaign has passed, gender-based violence doesn’t end on 10 December. Not in South Africa. Not when our GBV/GBVF statistics remain so devastating that the government has declared it a national disaster.
That’s why staying informed, equipped, and ready to support someone in crisis is not just seasonal — it’s essential all year round.
The festive season may heighten risks, but the guidance in this article applies to any month, any moment, any survivor who may turn to you.
You might think: “What if I say the wrong thing? I’m not trained for this.”
But the fact that you care — and are willing to learn — already makes you a powerful first responder.
This is your practical, compassionate guide to showing up safely, supportively, and sustainably.
We know the truth: South Africa’s support systems are overloaded. Survivors often face long, difficult journeys to safety.
That’s why your presence matters more than you realise.
You’re not expected to be SAPS, a lawyer, or a therapist.
Your real role?
To be the bridge — the one who connects their trauma to trust, their loneliness to hope, and their fear to the support available.
Your calm, non-judgmental voice can be the safest place they have.
Your words matter.
✅ Say this:
❌ Avoid saying:
When unsure, a simple: “Thank you for trusting me.”
…can create relief and safety.
Pause before reacting
Don’t jump into solutions. Let them lead.
Create a Festive Safety Plan
Document safely — only with consent
Screenshots, dates, times, injuries — stored securely.
Supporting a survivor is emotionally heavy work. Many supporters experience:
This is normal — but it is not something you must carry alone.
At Solace, we know that trauma doesn’t only affect the survivor, it impacts their children, their household and the person trying to support them.
Often, supporters carry their own emotional burden in silence.
That’s exactly why Trauma Assist exists as a Value-Added Service (VAS).
It’s designed to support you, so you can continue supporting others without burning out.
With Trauma Assist, you get:
✅ Professional, confidential trauma counselling
✅ Support for the policyholder and their immediate family
✅ For Business Protector clients - access often extends to employees
✅ Expert guidance for coping with stress, emotional overwhelm, and next steps
✅ A safe, judgement-free space to process what you’re carrying emotionally
If you’re helping a GBV survivor, you don’t need to hold that weight alone. Trauma Assist gives you structured, professional support so you can stay emotionally grounded and resilient—both during the festive season and beyond.
To help you stay informed and empowered, explore these additional resources:
🔗 POWA Care Pack – Your Guide to Supporting Abuse Survivors
🔗 Domestic Violence & Protection Order Guide
Understand what domestic violence legally includes and how protection orders work.
These tools can help you or someone you care about take informed, legally sound next steps.
📞 GBV Command Centre: 080 042 8428
📞 POWA: 011 591 6803
📞 TEARS Foundation: HELPLINE: 08000 TEARS / 08000 83277 / Support Locator: *134*7355#
Protection isn’t just about legal or financial cover.
It’s about emotional and psychological backing — for you and your loved ones.
If your plan doesn’t include Trauma Assist or full-circle protection, we can help fix that.
👉 Let’s build your personalised circle of security — legal, emotional, and financial.
Need Support? We’re Here for You 💙
💬 WhatsApp: +27 (76) 412 9990 (type "Hi" to start chatting)
☎️ Call: 0860 765 223
✉️Email: info@solacebenefits.co.za
Solace — With you, every step of the way.
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