Breaking the Silence: Lessons from Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (ADAPT)

In the heart of Alexandra Township, one of the most densely populated and oldest townships in South Africa, located near Sandton in Johannesburg. I had the opportunity to serve at Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (ADAPT) a non-profit organisation at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Southern Africa.

ADAPT is more than just a service provider; it's a movement committed to transforming the very systems and cultural norms that normalise violence, especially against women.

What is ADAPT all about?

ADAPT offers support to both survivors and perpetrators of GBV, striving to break cycles of violence through healing, accountability, and empowerment. Their programmes are guided by strong values: confidentiality, respect, non-judgment, professionalism, honesty, loyalty, and deep commitment to social justice.

Their core services include:

  • Counselling and Support Groups: Individual and group sessions for both survivors and perpetrators of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
  • Training Workshops and Seminars: Focused on trauma-informed legal, psychological, and gender sensitivity education for police, educators, health workers, and other community change-makers.
  • Community Empowerment: From micro-enterprise support to awareness campaigns using media, theatre, and grassroots activations, ADAPT is always engaging the public.

My Role at ADAPT

During my placement, I was entrusted with:

  • Assisting in coordinating youth programmes and awareness campaigns
  • Developing creative ideas for events that tackle gender norms and GBV
  • Facilitating classroom workshops that empower young people to challenge harmful societal narratives

The Impact on Me

My experience at ADAPT has been life-changing.

It gave me a new lens on how to handle toxic relationships and everyday challenges. I’ve gained the confidence to speak up not just for myself but for others who may not yet have found their voice. I now understand the complex reasons behind people’s choices why some succumb to peer pressure or harmful cultural norms, and why men often feel they can’t ask for help.

Most importantly, I’ve realized how women, in trying to “keep the peace for the children,” may overlook their own needs, forgetting that unhappy parents can’t raise happy kids. That lesson stays with me every day. As we build a future free from GBV, may we all learn to speak out, to question, and to act. Change begins with understanding and understanding begins with listening.

By Amogelang Tabane – Alexandra Township | FLAC Fellow

Amogelang Tabane | 21 Jul, 2025
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