These individuals often play a crucial role in the immediate support and long-term healing of survivors, yet they generally lack the resources and training necessary to respond effectively, says the duo. 

Building on the success of TEARS and Avon's Survivor-Centred Response Summit, held in December 2024 in partnership with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), TEARS was approached by organisations such as the National Shelter Movement (NSM) and Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) to provide tailored training sessions designed to meet the unique needs of their respective communities and stakeholders, adds the duo. 

TEARS and Acon say representatives from these two organisations comprised the inaugural cohort of students enrolled in the certified Training Programme that took place at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, from Friday, 11 to Sunday, 13 April. While the training for NSM delegates was sector-specific and conducted in person, representatives from WiM-Africa participated virtually from across the continent.

A Step Towards Survivor-Centred Care

TEARS, a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), will lead the nationwide rollout of the Training Programme. This initiative, available across South Africa and on request elsewhere in Africa, reflects the TEARS Foundation Training Academy's commitment to equipping first-line responders with survivor-centred, trauma-informed approaches, says the duo. 

Mara Glennie, CEO and Founder of TEARS, says, "Our programme provides essential training and support to ensure that first-line responders to GBV are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to offer compassionate, survivor-centred care. We aim to set a benchmark for transformative GBV responses at every level, combining education with practical application to create supportive spaces where survivors can reclaim their lives and restore dignity at a grassroots level."

Certified Training Modules 

The Training Programme features expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with actionable skills. Attendees will earn certifications underwritten by the International Association of Therapists, a professional global organisation offering training provider accreditation to those seeking professional recognition in their field, say TEARS and Avon. 

With a vision to expand the curriculum over time, the duo says the Training Programme includes an introduction to practical responses to gender-based violence (GBV), covering essential topics such as key terminology, the causes and impacts of GBV, available support services, referral mechanisms and the importance of empowerment and advocacy. 

It furthermore examines the key amendments to the Domestic Violence Act 14 of 2021, which came into effect in April 2023. The TEARS team offers first-line responders a comprehensive understanding of the updated legislation, focusing on its provisions, the roles of legal actors and strategies for the Act's effective implementation to protect survivors, says the duo. 

Innovative Training Methods

TEARS and Avon say that to ensure practical application, the Training Programme integrates innovative training methods, equipping participants with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to respond to gender-based violence in real-world situations.  

"Our approach is unique in its design, incorporating game-based learning, experiential techniques and interactive knowledge exchange. These methods address the deep-seated causes of GBV while fostering healing and empowerment for survivors. The Training Programme also includes debriefing and self-care components for responders to mitigate secondary trauma, a vital aspect of sustainable GBV intervention," says Celeste Louw, General Manager of TEARS Foundation's Training Academy. 

"Our goal is to set a benchmark for training that transforms GBV responses at every level. By combining education with practical application, we aim to create spaces where survivors feel supported and empowered," Louw adds. 

Empowering Change Through Education and Practical Implementation

WiM-Africa is dedicated to promoting gender inclusion, driving economic empowerment and fostering sustainable development for women throughout Africa’s mining sector, says the duo. 

Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, Executive Director of WiM-Africa, says, "Over centuries, sexual and gender-based violence was weaponised to maintain control over resources. This created toxic cultural and social dynamics, with patriarchy growing stronger, subjugating women in the sector and denying them access to equality, fair wages and control over their bodies. As a result, GBV and sexual harassment have become structural issues embedded in the social fabric of mining communities and mining institutions."

"Through partnerships and training initiatives like this, we aim to help transform the mining sector into an inclusive, equitable and economically empowering space for all African women," Dr Asokoro-Ogaji adds.

Similarly, shelter workers are frequently confronted with harrowing accounts of survivors who have experienced violence at the hands of intimate partners. "Shelters play a vital, transformative role in responding to and addressing violence against women and their children. By providing safe accommodation, we create opportunities for healing, recovery and rebuilding while actively working to interrupt and break the cycle of abuse. This essential Training Programme will empower our first-line responders to more effectively support survivors through critical processes such as obtaining and securing protection orders, ensuring that women facing domestic violence receive the help they need to find safety and begin their journey toward recovery," says Dr Zubeda Dangor, Head of the Executive at NSM.

A Vision for Systemic Change: The Time for Action Is Now 

TEARS envisions a South Africa free from abuse and sexual violence. "We continue to lead efforts toward societal transformation by promoting empathy, dignity and access to critical support services for all survivors, regardless of gender or socio-economic status," says Glennie.

TEARS and Avon conclude that first-line responders, including traditional leaders, church elders, community groups, taxi associations, healthcare workers, police officers, security guards, HR personnel and women-focused organisations, keen to be at the forefront of positive change and who would like to benefit from the 'Naked and Afraid No More' Training Programme, can contact Mara Glennie at TEARS Foundation on [email protected].

For more information, visit www.tears.co.za. You can also follow the TEARS Foundation on Linkedin, X, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of LinkedIn