Beauty for Ashes | CRC Church

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CHURCH

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Silence protects abuse. Speaking up can save a life. #ShatterTheSilence

The church is never meant to be silent on injustice. Through #ShatterTheSilence, we are training communities to recognise abuse, respond safely, and walk alongside survivors toward healing and justice. If you or someone you love is affected, know this: you matter, you are believed, and there is help.

118

WOMEN ARE REPORTED AS RAPED IN SOUTH AFRICA DAILY

WOMEN ARE KILLED DAILY IN SOUTH AFRICA

1 in 3

WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY GBV

38.3%

OF REPORTED CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN WERE RAPE

Understand the pattern

What is gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is not limited to physical harm. It is any act of violence rooted in power and control, and it takes many forms. Understanding these forms is the first step toward recognising abuse and breaking the silence.

Respond with care

What to do next

Domestic violence is not always physical. Any behaviour used to gain power and control over a partner or family member, whether emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological, is abuse.

Track A

If you or someone you know has been raped

Safety first

Get to a safe place, away from the offender. Do not shower, bathe, eat, drink, or smoke, as this can destroy forensic evidence. If clothing needs to be changed, place all items in a paper bag (not plastic).

Get medical care

Go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. A forensic examination will be conducted with a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including ARVs, must be started within 72 hours, ideally within 6 to 8 hours. Emergency contraception and antibiotics will also be provided.

Report to the police

There is no fee to open a case and no time limit on reporting. The police can come to the hospital, or the survivor can visit the nearest police station. Keep a record of the case number and the officer's name. If the survivor was intoxicated, it is still important to report: under South African law, consent cannot be given under the influence of alcohol.

Ongoing support

Connect the survivor to a Rape Crisis Centre and encourage professional counselling. Support them through follow-up medical appointments and the 28-day ARV course. Respect their pace and be a consistent, non-judgmental presence.

Track B

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence

Listen without judgment

Believe them, even if the abuser is someone you know. Affirm that the abuse is not their fault and that no one deserves to be treated that way. Don't pressure them to leave before they're ready, but help them understand their options.

Help build a safety plan

Help them identify a safe place to go in an emergency. Agree on a code word or signal. Help them prepare an escape bag with essentials: ID, birth certificates, medication, keys, money, bank cards, and important documents. Talk to them about protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act (Act 116 of 1998), which can be applied for at any Magistrate's Court at no cost.

Be empowered - you can overcome

Sign-Up to our Beauty for Ashes GBV Empowerment Group

Beauty for Ashes Empowerment Groups are safe spaces where survivors of gender-based violence can find real, practical help, love and support as they rebuild their lives. Since 2024, CRC has stood with survivors through outreaches, care crates, and Victim Friendly Room makeovers, and that same commitment continues here through ongoing support, connection, and a path toward healing. If you are a woman facing GBV, you do not have to face it alone. Click below to join an Empowerment Group near you.

Join an Empowerment Group Near You

"Healing begins when shame loses its hiding place. We will listen without judgement, stand with courage, and help you find the support you deserve."

Why leaving is complex

Why it can be so hard to leave

If you've ever wondered why someone stays in an abusive relationship, it's important to understand the barriers they face. Leaving is rarely as simple as walking out the door.

Fear. The abuser may threaten harm to her, her children, her family, or even threaten suicide.

Love and hope. The abuse is not constant, and she may genuinely believe her partner will change.

Self-blame. Years of manipulation can make someone believe the abuse is their fault.

Children. She may stay to keep the family together, or fear the abuser will take or harm the children.

Isolation. The abuser may have cut her off from friends, family, and support networks.

Financial dependence. Without access to money, housing, or transport, leaving feels impossible.

Community pressure. Family, culture, or church expectations may pressure her to stay and “make it work.”

Understanding these barriers helps us respond with compassion instead of judgment.

Training events

This October: Beauty for Ashes workshops

CRC Women’s Ministry is bringing the Beauty for Ashes workshop to communities across South Africa this October. Learn how to recognise gender-based violence, respond to critical incidents, and be a safe place for those who need it most. Dates and venues are being finalised. Sign up now and we'll send you everything you need to attend.

Stay updated

Get dates, venues, and everything you need to attend.

Support services

Partner with us

We have a dedicated Beauty for Ashes Fund for people to partner with us as we continue to shatter the silence on gender-based violence and proactively reach, empower, and equip survivors to rebuild lives rooted in God's love and purpose.

Your contribution directly supports training sessions, awareness campaigns, and survivor support across our communities. Every rand makes a difference.

Banking details

Account name: CRC Cares

Bank: Nedbank Limited

Branch code: 198765

Account number: 1049878337

Reference: B4A and your city (e.g. B4A PTA)

FAQ

Questions you may be carrying

Is there a time limit on reporting rape?

No. You can report at any time. However, reporting sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthens the case.

Is there a fee to lay a charge?

No. Laying a charge at a police station is completely free.

What if the survivor was intoxicated?

It is still vital to report. Under South African law, consent cannot be given while under the influence of alcohol.

Can I get a protection order without a lawyer?

Yes. You can apply at any Magistrate's Court without legal representation and at no cost.

What if I can't leave the abusive situation right now?

Reach out to someone you know and trust, at Church or a friend immediately. Building a safety plan doesn't mean you have to leave today. If you decide to stay, there are still ways to protect yourself and your children, such as agreeing on a code word or preparing an exit plan. Reach out to someone you know and trust—whether at church, a family member, or a friend—who can offer a safe, judgment-free space, prayer, and full support.

Past outreaches

Moments from past outreaches

These moments capture the dignity, courage, and hope that define our past outreach work - survivors, supporters, and communities choosing healing over silence.

Beauty for Ashes

"To give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."

Isaiah 61:3

You are not alone.

Help is available. Your story matters. Together, we can #ShatterTheSilence.

Join a Support Group Sign-Up for the Workshop

#ShatterTheSilence

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