Gender Based Violence
Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are widespread in South Africa. There is no way to dispute this statement.
There were 7,418 incidences of sexual assault and 42,569 rapes reported in 2025. That equates to more than 116 rapes and 20 sexual assaults every day. The real number of rape and sexual assault incidents is unknown. The same figures show that there were 7,239 attempted murders of women and 5,578 killings of women.
The Problem
In South Africa, women make up about 51.1% (30.5 million) of the population. Nearly half of assaults were perpetrated by close friends or acquaintances (22%), spouses or intimate partners (15%), relatives, or other household members (13%). Approximately 29% of assaults were carried out by unknown individuals. Twenty-one percent of women in relationships have been physically abused by a partner (Ever Experienced).
Our Solution
We combine physical safety training with emotional empowerment and advocacy.
✔ Structured self-defense programs
✔ School-based anti-bullying campaigns
✔ Digital safety education
✔ Leadership & mentorship initiatives
We don’t just respond to violence — we work to prevent it.
Why our team is uniquely qualified
Annie Kohne
Founder & Director | Healthcare Professional | Safeguarding Advocate
“Empowering individuals and communities through trauma-informed care, safeguarding education, and practical self-defence training.
Combining healthcare expertise with resilience-focused support to promote safety, confidence, and wellbeing.”
- One of South Africa’s pioneering female Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Extensive healthcare experience across NICU, Psychiatry, Community Health, Midwifery, and School Nursing
- Degree-level safeguarding qualification through King's College London
- Works with survivors through the GBV Clinic in Stellenbosch
- Specialist in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and resilience-building initiatives
- Experienced facilitator for healthcare, education, corporate, and community programmes
- Passionate about empowerment, personal safety, and survivor-centred support
Linsy Willemse
Founder & Director | Wellness Counsellor | Resilience Advocate
“Building emotionally resilient individuals, workplaces, and communities through trauma-informed wellness, empowerment, and practical resilience training.
Our work combines mental health support, personal development, and safety awareness to create lasting social impact.”
- ASCHP Designated Specialist Wellness Counsellor
- Founder & Director of The Akinya Foundation
- Black Belt in Muay Thai and self-defence educator
- Psychology Honours graduate from University of South Africa
- Master’s candidate in Psychological Research at University of the Free State
- Certified in Mental Health, Mindfulness and Self-Care through University of Cape Town
- Trained in Psychology of Addiction and Recovery through Stanford Center for Health Education
- Certified in Divorce Mediation Training through FAMAC
- Completed training in South African Sign Language
- Experienced in trauma-informed counselling, emotional resilience, empowerment, and personal safety awareness
- Passionate about helping individuals develop confidence, healthy boundaries, emotional wellbeing, and long-term resilience
Lushé Petzer
Lushé Petzer
Director | Trauma Support Counsellor | Emotional Wellness Advocate
“Helping individuals navigate trauma, emotional distress, and life challenges through compassionate, person-centred support.
Committed to creating healing spaces that foster emotional safety, self-awareness, and resilience.”
- Registered Wellness Counsellor with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)
- Provides trauma support and emotional wellness services through The Akinya Foundation
- Academic background in psychology through Stellenbosch University and University of South Africa
- Focused on trauma-informed care, emotional resilience, and holistic wellbeing
- Known for a calm, empathetic, and supportive counselling approach
- Passionate about helping individuals rediscover hope, strength, and emotional balance