PRIVACY POLICY

Introduction

Rise Against Domestic Violence SA NPC (“we,” “us,” “our”) is dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and personal information of all individuals who engage with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa, along with international data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.

It outlines how we protect the personal data of clients, volunteers, employees, and other stakeholders, particularly given the sensitive nature of domestic violence, harassment, and related matters.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information, including:

  • Personal identifiers: Name, contact details (phone, email, address), identity numbers.

  • Sensitive data: Details related to incidents of domestic violence, health information, family circumstances, legal documents, and other information needed to provide our services.

  • Demographic information: Age, gender, and other non-identifying details.

  • Usage data: IP addresses, browser type, access times, and referring websites.

  • Cookies and tracking data: Information collected via our website to help improve performance and user experience.

Purpose of Data Collection

We only collect personal information to support our mission of providing assistance, counselling, legal support, and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence and harassment. Specifically, we use your data to:

  • Offer counselling and support services

  • Provide legal guidance and related services

  • Communicate important updates or opportunities

  • Ensure the safety of clients and staff

  • Share resources and information about domestic violence support

  • Respond in emergencies related to domestic violence

  • Manage communication and outreach, including WhatsApp groups and newsletters

  • Collect anonymised data for research, training, and service improvement

  • Improve our services and website functionality

  • Fulfil legal or regulatory requirements

We do not sell, trade, or lease your personal information to third parties.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

  • Your consent: Where you have given explicit consent.

  • Legitimate interests: To support our mission and provide essential services.

  • Legal obligations: To comply with laws, particularly those around safety, reporting, and protection.

Protecting Your Information

We take privacy and security seriously. We use secure storage systems, encryption, access controls, and anonymisation wherever possible. All staff and volunteers are trained to handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality.

When We May Share Your Information

Your information will only be shared under these circumstances:

  • Service providers: Trusted partners who help deliver our services and comply with our privacy standards.

  • Legal obligations: When required by law, including mandatory reporting, especially involving children or vulnerable adults.

  • Emergencies: If disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others, we may share data with emergency services or relevant authorities.

Data Security, Storage, and Retention

We apply robust security measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access. Our website and online platforms follow best practices to reduce the risk of breaches. Information shared through WhatsApp or other channels is only accessed by authorised personnel.

We keep personal data only as long as needed to provide services or meet legal requirements. When data is no longer required, we securely delete or anonymise it.

Use of Anonymised Data

We may use anonymised information for research, training, advocacy, and reporting. This data will never contain personally identifiable details and is solely used to improve our services and raise awareness about domestic violence.

International Data Transfers

For individuals outside South Africa, we ensure any cross-border transfers comply with international data protection laws. By using our services, you agree to the transfer and processing of your data as described here.

Your Rights under POPIA

Under POPIA and, where applicable, GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access, update, or correct your personal information

  • Withdraw consent where we rely on it

  • Request deletion of your data if we no longer need it

  • Lodge a complaint with a regulatory authority if you believe your data rights have been violated

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please reach out to us:

Email: info@riseagainstdomesticviolence.co.za
Contact Number: 081 589 4308

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We encourage you to review it periodically. Any updates will be posted here with a new “Last Updated” date.

Last Updated: 26-10-2024