You don't have to face this alone
Free helplines and practical first steps for men in South Africa. If you are in danger right now, call 10111 or 112 from a cell phone.
Helplines in South Africa
Confidential support. Tap a number to call from your phone.
- 0800 428 428
GBV Command Centre (all genders)
Gender-based violence support, 24/7, free
- 0800 567 567
SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline
Mental health crisis support, 24/7, free
- 0861 322 322
Lifeline South Africa
Counselling and trauma support, 24/7
- 0800 110 110
Legal Aid South Africa Advice Line
Free legal advice, weekdays
- 08600 10111
SAPS Crime Stop
Report crime anonymously
- 116
Childline South Africa
For children and teens, 24/7, free
If you've been falsely accused
- Do not contact the person accusing you, directly or through friends. If a protection order has been issued against you, breaching it is a criminal offence even if the allegations are untrue.
- You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to a lawyer. Use them before you give any statement to the police.
- If you can't afford a lawyer, Legal Aid South Africa can help: call 0800 110 110 (free).
- If you are served with an interim protection order, you have the right to oppose it. Attend court on the return date and bring your evidence.
- Preserve evidence now: messages, emails, call logs, photos, location history and the names of witnesses. Write a dated timeline while your memory is fresh.
- Stay off social media about the case, even if others are talking about you.
- Knowingly laying a false charge is itself a crime. Ask your lawyer about your options once your case is resolved.
If you've been the victim of violent crime
- Get to a safe place and call 10111, or 112 from a cell phone.
- Get medical care, even for injuries that seem minor. For an assault, ask for your injuries to be recorded on a J88 form, which can be used as evidence.
- Open a case at your nearest police station and keep your case (CAS) number.
- The Service Charter for Victims of Crime gives you rights, including to be treated with dignity and kept informed about your case.
- Trauma can surface weeks later. Lifeline (0861 322 322) offers counselling. Talking to someone is a sign of strength.
If you're experiencing domestic abuse
- Abuse against men is real, and it is never your fault. The Domestic Violence Act protects everyone, including men.
- You can apply for a protection order at your nearest magistrate's court. It's free and you don't need a lawyer.
- Keep a private record of incidents, with dates, injuries and photos, somewhere your partner can't access.
- Plan a safe exit: keep your ID, bank cards, phone charger and important documents where you can grab them.
- The GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428) supports people of all genders, 24/7.
Family court, custody and maintenance
- Under the Children's Act, decisions about children must be made in their best interests. Unmarried fathers can also have full parental rights and responsibilities in many circumstances.
- The Office of the Family Advocate can help mediate disputes about care and contact, and makes recommendations to the court.
- If your circumstances change, for example you lose your job, ask the maintenance court to vary the order. Never simply stop paying.
- Keep a calm, factual diary of your time with your children and of any missed or refused contact.
- Communicate in writing where possible, and keep every message polite and focused on the children.
If you're arrested or mistreated by police
- If you're arrested, you have the right to be told why, to remain silent, to a lawyer, and to be brought before a court within 48 hours.
- Complaints about police assault, torture, deaths in custody or corruption go to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
- For poor service at a police station, complain to the station commander in writing and keep a copy.
- Write down names, badge numbers, dates and times, and ask witnesses for their contact details.
Unfair dismissal or discrimination at work
- Unfair dismissal disputes must be referred to the CCMA (or your bargaining council) within 30 days of dismissal. The CCMA is free.
- Unfair discrimination disputes must be referred within six months.
- Keep copies of your contract, payslips, emails, warnings and any notes of meetings.
- Harassment at work can be reported to your employer under its policy; keep a written record of every incident.
Looking after your mental health
- If you're thinking about ending your life, call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 now. You deserve support today.
- Tell one person you trust how you're really doing. You don't need the perfect words.
- Visit a clinic or doctor about how you feel. Depression and anxiety are treatable health conditions.
- Keep moving, keep a routine and limit alcohol, which makes low moods worse.
- Men's groups and peer support can offer understanding that is hard to find elsewhere.
Outside South Africa
Call your local emergency number if you are in danger. For other countries, search the international directory at findahelpline.com .
| Service | Where | Contact |
|---|---|---|
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline United States & Canada | United States & Canada | Call or text 988 24/7 |
Samaritans United Kingdom & Ireland | United Kingdom & Ireland | 116 123 24/7, free |
ManKind Initiative (male victims of domestic abuse) United Kingdom | United Kingdom | 01823 334244 Weekdays |
MensLine Australia Australia | Australia | 1300 78 99 78 24/7 |
This is general information, not legal or medical advice
Laws and procedures change, and every situation is different. Speak to a qualified professional, such as Legal Aid South Africa, about your circumstances.