People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
(July 1998)

What is POWA?

POWA was started in 1979 by a group of volunteers with a pager and a referral list. The organisation was officially established in 1981 as a branch of Witwatersrand Mental Health Society. As an organisation POWA is committed to assisting women affected by rape, emotional; physical and financial abuse as well as sexual harassment and other forms of gender specific violence. In 1984 POWA opened the doors of the first shelter for abused women and their children in South Africa. POWA has increased its staff and services, and now has branches in Katlehong, Soweto and Sebokeng. The organisation is funded by individuals, business and international bodies and relies on these sources to continue its work. There is an ever-increasing need for POWA's services and we now offer the following:
  • Telephonic and individual counselling
  • Couple counselling and support groups
  • Information and referrals for abused women, their friends, family and professionals in the field
  • Shelter for abused women and their children
  • Legal advice, court preparation and support
  • Educational workshops, talks and seminars
  • Training in counselling skills and train-the-trainer workshops, particularly around violence against women
  • Lobbying and campaigning
  • Research
  • Community outreach and support to groups wanting to open similar services
  • Resource Centre open to public with resource material such as books and papers relevant to women's issues
  • Branches offering counselling, group therapy and economic empowerment as well as training and education in Katorus, Soweto and Sebokeng.
Call POWA help line between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays on 642-4345/6 or call our pager service on 650-5050 code 7092, from 5.30pm till 9.00pm during the week and 24 hours on week ends.

People Opposing Women Abuse
P O Box 93416
Yeoville
2143.
South Africa
Tel: (011) 642-4345/6
Fax: (011) 484-3195
E-mail: powa1@wn.apc.org  

 
 

Preventing Violence
Against Women		 Women'sNet Home Page