BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANISATION
GRIP was established in the year 2000, in response to the high levels of rape, and the concordant high levels of HIV/AIDS infection, transferred to predominantly child rape survivors. GRIP was initiated by volunteers, and offers services to all rape and abuse survivors. GRIP seeks to empower all women, men and children through the process of counselling, education, advocacy and lobbying. GRIP is a NPO/CBO registered with the Department of Welfare (NPO no. 007-881).
Although abuse of women, men and children happens across all sectors of society, our target is mostly communities with limited or no resources at all. 96% of our survivors are disadvantaged persons form underserved communities. These areas have poor infrastructure, unsafe public transport areas and minimal police protection. This encourages the increase in violent crimes. These communities are also characterised by limited employment opportunities, overcrowding, and lack of educational facilities and extensive HIV and Aids related issues and alcoholism. All these factors impact strongly on violence.
AREAS OF OPERATION
GRIP is currently based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and has branches in Masoyi, Kabokweni, KaNyamazane, Barberton, Hazyview, Tonga/Shongwe, White River, Malelane and Matsulu areas. GRIP wishes to extend its services to the entire Lowveld area, and eventually throughout Mpumalanga.
GRIP VISSION
To provide humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation, and empowerment to all sexual assault and domestic violence survivors as well as services to those affected and infected by HIV and Aids.
GRIP MISSION
To provide support and aftercare for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and HIV and Aids. To facilitate community awareness, and empowerment, through active involvement with all stakeholders.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
One person is raped every 26 seconds in South Africa ( SA statistics 1999). 1 out of 4 people raped will be a young girl between the age of 11 and 15. 25% women are in abusive relationships and 5 women are killed by their partner every day in Mpumalanga. This means that in any one year 2 million people are raped in South Africa. Sadly, only 50 000 ( 1 in 40 000) report their rape.
An added dynamic to this is the contraction of HIV and Aids as a direct result of rape. Recent South Africa Statistics show that there are at least 1700 HIV contractions daily. The most affected age group are women and girl children in the age of 15-25 years old age range. Concurrent to this pandemic, there has also been a 48% increase in child rape over the last tow years (Safety and Security Stats 2006)
We therefore need a service that will respond to this scourge in a way that will empower survivors of abuse and help survivors lead a qualitative life. It is within this context that we continue our lobbying efforts to pressure Government to provide an equal criminal justice system.
BROAD AIMS OF GRIP
- To reduce violence against women, men and children.
- To reach young adults in particular.
- To empower all survivors of abuse.
- To continue lobbying through networks and other organisations.
OBJECTIVES AND SERVICES OF GRIP
Objective 1:
Police Intervention: to offer comprehensive trauma counseling/information, and practical assistance, plus a temporary place of safety, to all victims of rape and domestic violence, at the Victim Friendly Facilities, established and maintained by GRIP on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis, to achieve empowered survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Objective 2:
Hospital Intervention: to provide holistic, confidential, informed counseling and care, to all victims of abuse and trauma, accessing medical care rooms, established and maintained by GRIP, on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis, to achieve dignified and empowered survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Objective 3:
Court intervention by providing survivors of rape and domestic violence with pre-court training, assistance trough out the court procedures and to act as the survivors voice and ears in all court procedures. To make sure that the correct procedures are followed when children enters the court systems.
Objective 4:
Field work intervention: GRIP aims to conduct home visits, finding solutions to social problems, together with the relevant partners, to also be able to do HIV testing during the field visits at the survivors homes in order to provide assistance, testing, counseling and care to survivors affected by sexual assault and domestic violence.
Objective 5:
HIV support groups: to offer a forum of safety and confidentiality for survivors living with HIV/Aids, to be of support to each other in order to address, accept and to accommodate their status and experiences within their families and to encourage others who live with HIV/Aids to do the same.
Objective 6:
Voluntary counseling and testing Facilities ( VCT) :
To conduct HIV tests and counseling 3 times a week, to assist those living with HIV/Aids to adopt a positive lifestyle and to offer entry into treatment programmes.
Objective 7 :
To have a Teacher Trainer program that can prevent trends of sexual assault and domestic violence through educating teachers on sensitivity, information, referrals and to motivate teachers to do some awareness in their own schools regarding the prevention of rape and sexual assault.
Objective 8:
Capacity building and Organizational growth : by ensuring good governance through a motivated and dedicated Board of Trustees, through motivating innovation from staff members, and by training and educating all involved staff and volunteers of GRIP.
GRIP VALUES
In responding to the needs of services, the Board, staff, and volunteers of GRIP, embrace the following values:
- Equal opportunities,
- Passion for GRIP work,
- Mutual support and encouragement,
- Recognition of diversity of race and gender skills,
- Recognition of the creativity of every individual,
- Encouragement of constructive competition,
- Recognition of effort,
- Commitment to transformation,
- Sharing and teamwork.
GRIP contact details:
No. 46 Anderson Street, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa 1200
P O Box 26122, Nelspruit, 1200
Tel No: 013 - 752 5993
Fax No: 013 - 752 5993
Cell No: 083 310 1321
Email: info@grip.org.za
Website: www.grip.org.za
CONCLUSION
Not only is GRIP providing the forum for healing after crime and abuse trauma, but is also building community spirit through teamwork and team volunteers. GRIP intends to set up our area as the role model for the country, to use as an example of community co-operation.
"Never doubt that a small group of concerned, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead
Annesta and Barbara
