New to RISE?

Understanding Our Intake Process

If you are reaching out for support, we want you to feel informed and safe from the beginning.

RISE is a support organisation. We are not a crisis centre, not SAPS, and we do not provide emergency intervention. If you are in immediate danger, please contact SAPS or your local law enforcement directly.

Step 1: Complete the Intake Form

All new survivors must complete our mandatory intake form before support can begin.

This form:

  • Confirms your consent to be assisted

  • Allows us to understand what type of support you need

  • Ensures your information can be shared internally within the RISE team for assistance purposes

  • Helps us place you in the correct legal, counselling, or support space

Intake applies to all new survivors and to existing RISE community members whose support needs have changed.

Step 2: Internal Review

Once your intake form is received:

  • RISE Intake Volunteer will review your information

  • Your needs are identified (legal, counselling, support group, or guidance)

  • Your details are shared internally only with relevant RISE volunteers assisting your matter

All RISE volunteers are bound by confidentiality. We take privacy seriously and operate in line with POPIA principles.

Step 3: Personal Follow-Up and Placement

Once your intake form has been correctly completed and received, the RISE Intake Volunteer will reach out to you directly via WhatsApp to discuss your form, your situation, and the type of support you require.

During this conversation, your needs will be clarified and the appropriate next steps explained.

Based on your circumstances, you may:

  • Be added to the relevant RISE support group

  • Be assigned to the appropriate legal volunteer for guidance

  • Be scheduled with a counsellor

  • Be referred to a counselling intern where appropriate

  • Be referred to resources, external parties if we are not able to assist - only with your consent.

Placement is handled carefully to ensure you receive the most suitable and appropriate support.

What We Offer

Depending on your needs, RISE may provide:

  • Legal guidance (Protection Orders, Maintenance, Parenting Plans, Divorce guidance, GBV-related legal processes)

  • Court process guidance (unrepresented assistance only)

  • Scheduled counselling sessions with counsellors or interns

  • Access to survivor support groups

  • Trauma-informed emotional support

  • Educational resources and guidance

Please note: If you already have legal representation, we cannot provide legal guidance.

What RISE Is Not

  • We are not an emergency service

  • We are not a 24/7 crisis hotline

  • We do not represent clients in court

  • We do not replace SAPS, shelters, or medical services

Timeframes for Intake

Please allow up to 72 hours for an intake response.

We close intake every Friday at 15:30 and reopen on Monday at 09:00.

We do not use automated replies. Every response comes from a real person. We ask for patience as we support a high number of survivors across South Africa.

Consent and Community

By completing our intake form, you are providing consent:

  • To be contacted for support

  • Only the volunteers assigned to your case will receive your information needed to support you.

  • To be added to appropriate RISE support groups where suitable

You may withdraw consent at any time in writing.

Important

If your life is in danger, go directly to SAPS or your local law enforcement agency.

If your matter is urgent but not life-threatening, please use the contact link provided on this website or email us here.

We understand that reaching out takes courage. You will be treated with dignity, care, and respect.

WhatsApp Contact

RISE has an official WhatsApp line for general communication. This line is not for intake. All survivor support requests must be submitted through the Intake Form. You may be contacted via WhatsApp after your form has been reviewed.

RISE Official WhatsApp Line(this line if for official internal use only at RISE)

Intake Form