The Advice Desk for the Abused marks four decades of advocacy against GBV

The late Prof Anshu Padayachee and Judge Navi Pillay founded the Advice Desk for the Abused in 1986

The Advice Desk for the Abused is celebrating four decades of service, advocacy and support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to break the cycle of GBV in South African communities.

The organisation, in collaboration with the Avalon Group, will commemorate its 40th anniversary at a special event at Suncoast CineCentre on Saturday at 2pm. The keynote address will be delivered by Judge Navi Pillay, co-founder of the Advice Desk and internationally respected human rights advocate.

The anniversary celebrations will extend beyond the commemorative event. The organisation plans to host a stakeholder dialogue later this year to examine the state of GBV in South Africa, alongside a series of training sessions aimed at strengthening community awareness and response to abuse.

Founded in 1986 by Pillay and the late Prof Anshu Padayachee as the Advice Desk for Abused Women, the organisation has since evolved into the Advice Desk for the Abused to reflect the broader impact of violence and abuse across society, especially the vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and the disabled.