New image descriptionRape Crisis Helderberg was started in 1993 by Felicity Bouwer to address the community’s need for a support system for victims of sexual violence. Their services are provided free of charge to any individual due to their belief that no one wants to be sexually abused and they do not turn anyone away as long as the person wants their help. Felicity felt the need to train volunteers as Rape Crisis Helderberg grew with the passing of time and the first training of volunteers took place in 1994. At this time, the volunteers were assisting rape victims at the Helderberg Hospital (then the Hottentots Holland Hospital) in less than ideal circumstances due to the fact that rape victims often had to wait for hours in the casualty department before being attended to. To alleviate this problem, Felicity trained volunteers and assisted in establishing Rape Crisis Helderberg before she retired in 1995.

Reinette Evans took over the reins and Rape Crisis today continues under her dedicated and compassionate leadership. The present day centre – unique in the Western Cape, was established in 1996 after it was jointly conceived by Rape Crisis, the community, police and Helderberg Hospital. Born on 14th August 1997, Rape Crisis Helderberg’s offices are situated next to the Helderberg Hospital, which has made rooms available at no cost, supplies the centre with medication and covers their electricity and telephone costs.

Since its inception, Rape Crisis Helderberg has forged a strong relationship with police stations serving their area and as a result of the increase in people seeking assistance they have opened another counseling office at the hospital in May 2000 and became a registered Non–profit Organisation in June 2001. Their SIA (Survivors of Incest Anonymous) support group was established in March 2002 and concentrates on victims of childhood sexual abuse. Their support groups are self–help groups and make use of a 12–step recovery program used successfully in America.

All the literature used has been written by incest survivors and has been translated into both Xhosa and Afrikaans. Rape Crisis Helderberg established a safe house at the end of 2002 to cater for victims of sexual abuse in need of a safe haven. A large part of Rape Crisis Helderberg’s success can be attributed to the volunteers who make great personal sacrifices to assist victims of sexual abuse. The volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to assist any member of the community and two of the volunteers have been serving Rape Crisis Helderberg for a decade. Reinette points out that sexual abuse is surrounded by myth and most importantly, that rape is not sexually motivated, but is rather a crime of violence and control committed through a sexual act. Rape is a traumatic, violent and lifealtering experience that can happen to anyone and Reinette says that educating communities about sexual violence, rape and abuse is an important element in combating the crime. Rape Crisis Helderberg is regularly invited to address community organizations and schools, which assists in raising awareness in the community about their services. More than 30 000 learners have been educated in this manner in the Helderberg Basin over the years. Rape Crisis Helderberg has flourished over the years and is today a growing and dynamic organization steered by Reinette’s commitment and dedication.

With 15 years of experienced in working with victims of sexual abuse, Rape Crisis Helderberg is onfidently positioned to assist the community in this regard. South Africa unfortunately holds the record for the highest incidents of rape globally with an estimated one million women being raped in the country annually.

Reinette says the work that they perform is a calling and comes from the heart, which is why so many of the people they attend to are able to find healing and closure. Should you want to know more about Rape Crisis Helderberg, the possibility of volunteer work or wish to make a donation, you can contact them on