Heavenly Promise Safe House, Bredasdorp

The Cape Agulhas Safe House-Team consists of five passionate women who go the extra mile to provide support and assistance for abused women. So far the Safe House has accommodated more than 350 women and children since its establishment in 2015.

History

In 2012 community worker Lana O’Neill moved from Vredendal to Bredasdorp and immediately realised the lack of a safe shelter for abused women in the area. Through her non-profit organization “HeavenlyPromise48” she seeks to offer preventative programs, crisis intervention and shelter to abused women.

In 2015 “HeavenlyPromise48” successfully applied for a tender, issued by the Cape Agulhas Municipality, to establish a safe house for women and their dependent children in Bredasdorp. The tender was approved in April 2015 (approval 110/2015) and in August 2015 the safe house was officially opened by Cape Agulhas Executive Major Richard Mitchell.

In February 2015 the team has successfully completed the Traumatic Incident Trauma Reduction Counselling Course and is able to offer immediate trauma counselling to victims.

Services

•Provide temporary safety and shelter when required

•Refer to the designated child welfare organisations and the Department of Social Developement

•Educate and inform women and young girls of the impact of crime and violence

• Provide assessments, referrals and support until a case is concluded

 Inform and navigate women to required resources that will promote resilience and increase their developmental opportunities

• Provide standard support services, training and capacity building

•Prevent deterioration in the development of women and young girls in their families

Mission

•Address the abuse of women and children

•Provide them with the opportunity to become productive members of society

•Operate within their faith-based framework

•Institute any other strategies or programmes which can enhance the quality of life for women and their children