Help Rape Crisis tackle gender-based violence at inaugural fund-raising event

The Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust will be having its first-ever public fundraising event called Safe Houses, Safe Homes, Safe Communities at Maynardville Park on Friday, December 5.

The community fundraiser will hold a screening of the documentary called Dorpie, directed by Julia Jaki, followed by a facilitated discussion featuring gender-based violence (GBV) experts, activists and representatives of Rape Crisis’s counselling and advocacy teams, as well as an art installation called Safe Houses by art activist Nell-Louise Pollock.

Rape Crisis was founded in 1976, providing direct support services to rape survivors, advocating for improved laws in the criminal justice system and working within communities to create a culture of consent. It has an office in Observatory, Athlone and Khayelitsha. Director of Rape Crisis, Nazma Hendricks, said that despite the organisation’s longstanding impact, as a non-profit, the organisation has historically relied on donor funding and grants. “This inaugural public fundraiser marks a significant step towards deepening engagement with the broader community and ensuring long-term sustainability of its essential programs,” she said.

The Dorpie documentary was chosen for its reflection of the realities of gender-based violence and its impact on survivors, families and communities. 

Support for the event or a donation during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign will ensure that Rape Crisis can continue to offer free counselling and social work support. “Rape Crisis educates communities and the youth about consent culture, assists survivors who present at the Thuthuzela Care Centres, provides containment and court support at five Cape Town courts and advocates for systemic justice reforms,” she said.

“Our first public fundraiser is more than an event, it is an invitation to our community to stand firmly with survivors,” said Ms Hendricks.

Ms Hendricks said that the organisation has walked alongside survivors on some of the hardest days of their lives for nearly five decades. “This film screening allows us not only to raise critical funds but also to spark conversation, deepen understanding and inspire collective action against sexual- and gender-based violence in South Africa,” she said.

The Safe Houses, Safe Homes, Safe Communities fundraising event will take place at Maynardville Park on Friday, December 5, from 7pm. Tickets are R100 per person and can be purchased on Quicket.

Visit Rape Crisis to find out more.