This pillar focuses on creating systems of support for survivors of gender-based violence. It asks, “How can we ensure survivors get the help they need to heal and reclaim their lives?” This is done by fostering collaboration between government institutions and civil society. For example, health facilities assist survivors after they report a case to the police.

Key areas of focus include:

– Ensuring survivors receive counselling and social worker support.

– Providing civil society organisations with the resources to continue their work.

– Promoting safe spaces for survivors, such as group meetings in places of worship or local communities, where they can share their experiences without fear or shame. 

Five-Year Outcomes

4.1. Strengthened existing response, care and support services by the state and civil society in ways that are victim-centred and survivor-focused to facilitate recovery and healing;

4.2. Secondary victimisation is eliminated through addressing specific individual and systemic factors that drive it;

4.3. Victims feel supported by the system to access the necessary psychosocial, material and other support required to assist them with their healing;

4.4. Strengthened community and institutional responses to provide integrated care and support to GBV survivors and their families that takes into account linkages between substance abuse and HIV and AIDS.

MOSAIC’s role – As one of the longest standing domestic violence and GBV service organisations in South Africa, MOSAIC participates in Pillar 4 and offers regular contributions from practice-based evidence of service delivery successes and hindrances.