Letlhabile Network Community Advice Office

About Us

Letlhabile Network Community Advice Office is a community-based advice office based in Letlhabile – Brits in the North West Province. The organisation was established in the year 2000, and the aim is to address gender-based violence (GBV) and social justice issues in the communities they serve. There are programmes such as Access to Justice and Victim Empowerment Services. These services include Para-Legal Services, Mediation, Referral, Psychosocial Support. There is also a Shelter to accommodate Survivors of GBV and a newly established GBV Help Desk.

Letlhabile Network has also started an agroecology vegetable garden under FHR’s Growing Food for Life project. The garden is used as a space of healing for GBV survivors, the produce contributes to the food for survivors accommodated at the organisation’s shelter and shared with child-headed households identified in the community.

Key Focus Area

• Prevent GBV: Capacitate and raise awareness within the community to prevent instances of GBV. Including GBV Helpdesk. 
• Intervene Effectively: Provide timely and effective support to survivors of GBV by providing Psychosocial support 
• Empower the Community: Build the community’s capacity to sustain GBV prevention and intervention efforts. 
• Psychosocial Support and Counselling: Provides emotional support and counselling to help survivors of GBV to cope with trauma. 
• Paralegal Assistance: Offers legal guidance and support to help survivors of GBV to navigate the justice system. 
• Safe Shelter and Accommodation: Provides temporary housing and necessities for survivors of GBV in need of a safe haven.

Impact and Achievements 

The organisation has made significant strides in combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the Letlhabile communities. Their initiatives have yielded positive impacts and achievements, including:

• Awareness campaigns: Educating communities about GBVF, reducing stigma, and encouraging survivors to seek help.
• Support services: Providing psychosocial support, paralegal services, and referrals to stakeholders for further assistance.
• Community engagement: Fostering environments that promote gender equity and reject violence through discussions, training, and stakeholder engagements.
• Monitoring and data collection: Informing targeted interventions through data analysis.
• Shelter services: Providing safe spaces, essential services, emotional support, and legal assistance to survivors.
• GBV Help Desk: Offering immediate response, connecting survivors with medical care, psychosocial support, and other essential services through a 24/7 helpline.

The organisation’s holistic approach ensures confidentiality, anonymity, and support for survivors and community members. They also acknowledge the critical support from FHR, DOJ&CD, Aulai Trust, and Hlanganisa Institute for Development, which has enabled us to make a meaningful difference in combating GBVF.