Help GRIP - The Greater Rape Intervention Project by donating toiletries for our GRIP care/dignity packs for Survivors of rape and GBV

Help GRIP - The Greater Rape Intervention Project by donating toiletries for our GRIP care/dignity packs for Survivors of rape and GBV

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Since its inception GRIP has provided healing and support to over 50 000 Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. In order to run our programme effectively and have a lasting impact on sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), as well as HIV prevention in our communities, we rely on funding from donors and support of local businesses. As the struggle against sexual and gender based violence worsens, GRIP’s services have become even more essential to our community. Any donation, no matter how big or small, helps us to make an enormous difference in the lives of those affected by Gender Based Violence. When survivors of rape and GBV report to our GRIP hospital care rooms, we provide each of them with a teddy bear and a care pack to assist them on their journey to recovery. Care packs contain a tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, a face cloth, soap, a packet of sanitary towels, deodorant and a panty or underpants. If it is available, we add body lotion. When survivors go for their forensic examinations, their panties get taken away from them as evidence. In many cases, it is some time before Survivors are discharged from hospital to go home. Survivors often live with their perpetrators and it is therefore unsafe for them to go home until such time as perpetrators have been apprehended or they find alternate, safer accommodation elsewhere. GRIP does have shelters where Survivors are able to seek temporary refuge and we do ensure that Survivors are made aware of this option if they do not have anywhere to go. During this uncertain time, the care packs provided to Survivors include the basic toiletries needed to get them through their first few days after their assault while they will be sleeping away from their homes. It is important for a Survivor to be able to ‘wash’ away their experience both physically and metaphorically. Currently we depend on the community to assist by donating the items needed for our care packs due to funding limitations.