Any woman in the Overberg suffering abuse from a partner really has nowhere else to go with their children after making that all-important life changing and saving decision to leave their domestic situation.
Heavenly Promise, a safe haven in Bredasdorp, is the only safe haven in the region that can offer a place to stay, for her and her children. This house, which caters for victims of domestic violence and abuse, opened its doors in 2015.
Until mid-2022 Heavenly Promise was able to accommodate 14 women and children, but thanks to the assistance of the Asla Foundation, the building was extended and can now accommodate up to 24 women with their children.
The Overberg District Municipality, Cape Agulhas Municipality, South African Breweries (SAB), South African Local Government Association (Salga) and various other local and provincial agencies have come on board to ensure these victims have a safe and comfortable place of safety, where they can recuperate from the trauma they have suffered.
Lana O’Neill, director of Heavenly Promise NPC, explained additions to the safe haven include a trauma counselling room, a dormitory with en- suite bathroom, which caters for up to 10 people, and a comfortable office with a small bathroom. The kitchen was also extended and the stoep enclosed so residents have a comfortable space in which to relax.
Sponsorship and donations have also made it possible to start a small vegetable and herb garden in the backyard and a comfortable play area with swings and a slide. After closing for a while with upgrades underway, it reopened last week with due ceremony.
SA Breweries donated much-needed items such as beds and other furniture as part of their “Responsible Communities” initiative.
The Overberg District Municipality and Cape Agulhas Municipality also provide continuous support to the safe haven through different initiatives.
Last week, SA Breweries and Salga handed the furniture over, a new alarm system, panic buttons, the playground, vegetable garden and move of the Wendy House in the backyard.
