Effective institutional responses to GBV depend on police officers understanding both their legal responsibilities and the realities faced by survivors. Ilitha Labantu works with SAPS to strengthen survivor-centred policing practices, improve case handling and referrals, and support more responsive engagement with survivors.

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Training covers gender sensitivity, GBV legislation, Usable Acts and Legal Remedies, child trauma and signs of child abuse, trauma-informed responses, basic counselling for victims of violence, conflict resolution and mediation, and the ethical handling of protection orders. The programme also focuses on appropriate referral procedures and coordination between law enforcement and other service providers.

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Communities have reported fewer instances of women being turned away from police stations, with trained officers increasingly taking responsibility for GBV matters and connecting survivors with further services. By strengthening police capacity, Ilitha Labantu contributes to a justice system in which survivors are more likely to be heard, supported and appropriately guided through the criminal justice process.

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Community-based organisations and NGOs are often among the first points of contact for people experiencing violence. Strengthening their capacity therefore helps create a more connected and responsive support network around survivors.

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Ilitha Labantu provides training to community leaders, frontline personnel and civil society organisations on survivor-centred response protocols, trauma-informed engagement, legal obligations under domestic violence legislation, referral pathways, and coordination between community structures and formal justice systems. Training is adapted to the needs and roles of participating organisations, equipping those who may encounter survivors with practical tools to respond safely, appropriately and within their mandate.

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Capacity building also addresses practical aspects of navigating the justice system, including court processes and procedures in sexual offences cases, survivor rights, case follow-up and effective referral practices. Strengthening these areas helps frontline organisations provide survivors with better information and more consistent support as they navigate legal and support service

Educational institutions have a critical role in preventing GBV and creating environments where learners and students can access support and challenge harmful gender norms. Ilitha Labantu strengthens institutional capacity through its work with educators, schools and higher education institutions, complementing its Educator Empowerment Hub for the Safe Schools Leadership Collaborative programme.

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At institutions of higher learning, GBV modules and workshops address gender-based violence, sexual violence, power relations and dynamics, prevention, gender equality and ubuntu, while training for peer educators strengthens student leadership and their ability to contribute to safer campus environments. These interventions help institutions develop a more informed and prevention-focused response to GBV.

The Ilitha Labantu Academy extends this capacity-building approach by providing structured learning opportunities for professionals, organisations and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen their knowledge and practice in responding to GBV and supporting survivors.

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Explore the Ilitha Labantu Academy →