Advice Desk

The Advice Desk for the Abused, the oldest NGO in South Africa to deal with domestic violence, is a registered non-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organization which, since its inception in 1986, has provided crisis intervention for an indicative 400 000 reported cases of domestic violence.

The Advice Desk is continually searching for new volunteers to serve as Crisis Interventionists. Volunteers will go through intensive in-house training, both at workshops and on-the-job with experienced interventionists.

The Advice Desk is currently searching for a sponsor for a technologically advanced voice communication system that will support the 24-hour crisis hotline.

Our most recent grant-maker has been the Foundation for Human Rights, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development who funded our “Widening the Pathways to Agency and Access to Justice” project.

The Advice Desk has no regular funders.

The Advice Desk for the Abused, the oldest NGO in South Africa to deal with domestic violence, is a registered non-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organization which, since its inception in 1986, has provided crisis intervention for an indicative 400 000 reported cases of domestic violence.

The Advice Desk is continually searching for new volunteers to serve as Crisis Interventionists. Volunteers will go through intensive in-house training, both at workshops and on-the-job with experienced interventionists.

The Advice Desk is currently searching for a sponsor for a technologically advanced voice communication system that will support the 24-hour crisis hotline.

Our most recent grant-maker has been the Foundation for Human Rights, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development who funded our “Widening the Pathways to Agency and Access to Justice” project.

The Advice Desk has no regular funders.

The current Board of the Advice Desk comprises: 

Dr. Lubna Nadvi – Chairperson 

Mr. Navindhra Naidoo – Deputy Chairperson

Ms. Charmaine Williamson 

Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa

Prof. Suria Govender

Mr Anthony Collins

Ms. Stephanie Joshua

Our Team

The real unsung heroes of the Organisation are the full-trained, experienced, volunteer Crisis Interventionists who provide the core services:

Ms Prisla Singh

Ms Radha Naidoo

Ms Gaythree Reddy

Ms Chumpa Singh

Ms Madhuri Singh

Ms Kay Surjoo

Ms Fozi Hemraj

Ms Krishnee Reddy.

We also have a very talented team of trainee counsellors currently completing their in-service training at the Desk.

A. The Advice Desk for the Abused has recently concluded the implementation of projects against Gender Based Violence, entitled “Widening the Pathways to Agency and Access to Justice”. This projected was funded by the Foundation for Human Rights in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and consisted of:

– A one-day workshop, updating our crisis interventionists on latest developments in intervention approaches in the area of Gender Based Violence

– A two-day training workshop on Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention, aimed at NGO’s, PBO’s, Government Departments (South African Police Services, Department of Justice, Department of Correctional Services) and members of the public.

– The production of a set of training manuals and other advocacy materials.

It is envisaged that a second Crisis Intervention Training Workshop will be held in the second half of 2011.

B. The University of KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with the Advice Desk for the Abused, has recently been awarded a grant by the South Africa Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD) to undertake research in the area of Gender Based Violence in South Africa. The Advice Desk will be providing the required research data on the project, which is expected to run over three years (2011 – 2013).

C. The Advice Desk for the Abused this year, 2011, celebrates its 25th Anniversary. To celebrate and commemorate this significant milestone, a 25th Anniversary Dinner is being planned for September. In addition, plans are in place for the publication of a commemorative brochure.

The Desk receives no regular government funding; we rely purely on the good will donations of Friends and concerned citizens. We do receive limited grants, for dedicated projects, owing to our track record and excellent work that we do in the sector, but that is never enough to support the interventions that we need to make against the escalating and deepening levels of family violence with which we, and South Africa, is duty bound to deal. Donations can be made directly to the following bank account:

Name of Account: Advice Desk for the Abused

Name of Bank: Nedbank

Branch: Musgrave

Branch Code:130126

Account Number: 1301 194948

Please click below to see the Advice Desk’s latest financial statements.

Advice Desk AFS 2010