In a secure location in Cape Town, The Salvation Army CareHaven is a lifeline for women facing the challenges of gender based violence. As part of the Western Cape Division, CareHaven focuses on prevention, protection, advocacy and education, helping women to survive and build a future of dignity and stability.
Prevention: Building Resilience and Independence
CareHaven believes that one of the best ways to protect women is to empower them. Women are equipped with skills to start small businesses or run community projects, enabling them to provide for themselves and their children. Economic empowerment brings resilience and helps women to support one another.
Protection: Safety and Support for Survivors
Responding to gender based violence requires immediate and practical help. CareHaven offers survivors counselling, medical care, legal assistance and help with documentation and social grant applications. Safety is prioritised through restraining orders and security protocols, allowing women to begin their journey to healing in a secure environment.
Awareness and Education: Reaching All Generations
The Centre runs awareness programmes for all ages, recognising that the cycle of abuse can affect entire families. Senior citizens are also engaged, as they may unknowingly encourage daughters to remain in unhealthy marriages, perpetuating dysfunction across generations. By listening to their stories, addressing their needs and providing compassionate social work support, CareHaven helps families move toward healthier relationships.
Faith at the Core
Bible studies form an important part of CareHaven’s ministry, offering spiritual encouragement and strength. Passages such as Mark 5:25 to 34 (the woman with the issue of blood), John 4:1 to 42 (the Samaritan woman) and John 8:1 to 11 (the woman caught in adultery) remind women that Jesus sees them, values them and offers them restoration.
Advocacy: Changing the Narrative
Alongside providing direct assistance, CareHaven works to influence change at a community and national level. This includes challenging stereotypes, breaking down cultural barriers and building partnerships. From engaging in community campaigns to working with parliamentarian activists, the Centre helps to shape policies that create a safer and fairer society for women.
Recent Achievements and Partnerships
Through the Women’s Ministries Battle Cry initiative, women both inside and outside the Centre are gaining skills that lead to economic empowerment. One participant, Edwina, has begun selling beadwork to family and friends, earning R200 in her first month. Partnerships have also opened new opportunities, such as hosting a parliamentarian activist as a keynote speaker for this year’s Women’s Day celebration.
On 12 August 2025, CareHaven joined with community stakeholders for the “No Woman Should Be Left Behind” event, part of the Orange Day campaign. This inclusive gathering, open to all corps in the Division and welcoming women of all statuses, cultures and abilities, celebrated unity, resilience and the shared pursuit of a violence free society.
A Call to Care
CareHaven continues to combine practical support, advocacy and faith. It walks alongside women through difficult times, helping them to discover new strength, purpose and dignity.