Happening Soon…
Welcome to
COPESSA
COPESSA (Community-based Prevention and Empowerment Strategies in South Africa) is a multi-award-winning not-for profit organisation that was founded with the aim of preventing violence against women and children.
Our walk-in centre, providing counselling and community development programmes, was opened in 2004. We are based in Protea Glen, Extension 11, in Soweto – one of the largest townships in South Africa. All of the services that the organisation offers are free to the public.
We are registered as a Section-21 Company (NPC), a Section 18A public benefit organisation (PBO) and a non-profit organisation (NPO).We enjoy the support of eminent persons, enterprises and institutions, including Dr Sibongile Khumalo and Dr Hotstixx, the Wits School of Public Health and the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Help us continue this important work in the community by donating here.
Abuse
Statistics
Our Awards
An initiative to prevent Violence against Children (VAC)
and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) especially Violence against Women (VAW).
COPESSA empowering communities and breaking the cycle of abuse
Impact Stories
Meet Amos
My name is Amos. I volunteer at COPESSA.
Here is my story:
My partner and I were not able to resolve our conflicts; I was frustrated because I felt unheard in our relationship. Out of anger I would become violent towards my partner. I saw in me the man my father was to my mother, and something needed to change. I could see the very pain I felt as a child in my children’s eyes. I was abusing my children as they were witnessing our fights. When I realized I was becoming someone I could no longer recognize I suggested to my partner that we seek help.
After a long process of acknowledgement and reflection with the help of counseling from COPESSA, I finally found healing. Although my relationship with my partner did not work out I have become a better person, father and partner. Thankfully, COPESSA assisted me through my healing for free, as I would not have been able to afford the many counseling sessions I needed.
I chose to further the journey with COPESSA and I now volunteer for the organization with a hope to bring to life a Men’s Forum in our community. Through my lived experiences and those of friends and neighbours I have realized that men in our community need a space where they can support one another at a time where violence has become a norm. With COPESSA’s professional help we will realize this dream.
Help us make this Men’s Forum possible by donating to COPESSA here.
