In South Africa, it is estimated that a woman is killed by her male partner every six hours.
South Africa has the highest rate of death by domestic violence in the world. The statistics demonstrate that violence against women has become “normalized” in South Africa.
The Sahara is aware of challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and provides a place of safety for abused women and their children in crisis.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week and 3 dedicated house mothers are always available to provide care and support to the women who are admitted into the shelter. All 3 house mothers’ work on a shift rotation, so someone is available at all times to assist the client.
The Sahara has 24 hour security and operates in partnership with the South African Police Services at Phoenix, to ensure the protection and safety of the women and children.
Admission into the shelter is via the Child Welfare Society in your area or the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The facility is open 24 hours and 365 days for admission purposes and provides short term accommodation. Admission is done by SAPS and the local child welfare.
Once the women are admitted into the shelter, they are immediately linked to the social worker, who conducts the intake procedure at the shelter culminating in care-plan for clients. Women are made aware of their rights and responsibilities, counselled on how to go about obtaining a protection order, provided with individual therapeutic counseling, as well as re-unification services with their families. The overall aim of the shelter is to promote the interest, well-being, safety and development of women who are victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as to provide therapeutic services to victims through various social work interventions.
AFRISUN
Phoenix Child Welfare received R1.3 million from Afrisun KZN Community Development Trust, for the renovation and extension of the Sahara. The shelter to date has accommodated over 1000 women and children. The shelter is registered to accommodate 12 people; however with the completion of our extension, we can now house 22 people. Phoenix Child Welfare raised R600 000 to complete the extension.
SKILLS
The Sahara is not only limited to promoting a safe haven for victims of abuse but seeks to empower and uplift women through various skills development programmes such as cooking/baking, fabric painting, bead work and sewing skills. These skills are taught to the women by skilled facilitators.
SAHARA WOMEN’S GROUP
The Sahara women’s groups have played an instrumental role in raising funds for the Sahara. In October 2013 they hosted a high tea fundraiser and raised R12250. The group does skills training with clients at the Sahara, teaching them beadwork, cooking and sewing skills.
TAKE ACTION
HOW CAN YOU HELP SAHARA?
- Volunteer your time, stimulate children at the shelter.
- Sponsor a meal
- Maintenance of garden and buildings.
- Host a fundraising or help fundraise.
- Donate groceries
- Gardening
- Pamper session for clients
- Donate care packs for clients
- Share your expertise
- Adopt a room
- Pay school fees/uniforms/stationery.
- Create an awareness of the Sahara amongst family and friends.
- Click on WISH LIST for more ways to help
YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE LIVES OF WOMEN IN DESPAIR
DONATE NOW
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch : Briardene
Account name: Phoenix Child and Family Welfare Society Sahara Account.
Account number : 052409015
Branch code: 043626
Type of account : Current.
Use your name as reference
For further information call: 031 500 3671
DONATE & HELP
YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION WILL HELP THE LIVES OF COUNTLESS GIRLS AND WOMEN
WISH LIST
Your contribution to our Wish List will be highly appreciated!
Bedding and linen
Beds
Mattress protectors
Bed Sheets
Blankets
Carpets
Duvets
Curtains
Towels
Facecloths
Toileteries
Roll-on
Lotion
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hair brush
Nail Brush
Hand wash
Bath soap
Sanitary pads
Nail clipper
Powder
