Abuse at work.
It’s more common than we think.
More silent. More hidden.
Sometimes it’s yelling.
Sometimes it’s whispers.
Sometimes it’s a stare that lasts too long. Or that hand on your back that shouldn’t be there.
You try to ignore it.
Laugh it off.
Pretend it doesn’t hurt.
But it does.
And the worst part?
You start blaming yourself.
You think maybe you’re just too sensitive.
Or maybe you should just toughen up.
No.
You don’t have to.
Because abuse is never okay.
And the good news?
You can get help.
Without paying a cent.
Let’s talk about where. How. Why.
Why Counselling Is Important
Workplace abuse doesn’t just happen in meetings or emails.
It shows up at night.
In your sleep.
In your mood.
In how you talk to your kids. Or how you start forgetting things.
You can’t just “shake it off.”
You carry it.
That’s why talking helps.
Counselling is not weakness.
It’s survival.
And in South Africa?
You don’t always have to pay for it.
Many services are free. Confidential. Safe.
Just reach out.
Even if it’s just to say “I’m not okay.”
Lifeline South Africa
They’ve been doing this for years.
Helping people. Quietly. Gently.
They won’t ask for your name.
They won’t ask why you waited.
Their counsellors are trained. They’ll listen.
And guide you.
You can talk about stress. Trauma. Abuse. Burnout.
Even if you don’t know what to call it.
Lifeline 24/7 Counselling Line
0861 322 322
www.lifeline.org.za
Free. Always open. No judgment.
SADAG – South African Depression and Anxiety Grou
Feeling anxious every time your boss walks in?
Not sleeping? Not eating? Crying in secret?
You’re not alone.
SADAG knows how to help.
They offer free telephone counselling.
Support groups.
And WhatsApp chats.
It’s for people going through things they can’t always explain.
And they’ve helped thousands.
0800 456 789
WhatsApp: 076 882 2775
www.sadag.org
You don’t need to be “strong.”
You just need to reach out.
Government Support: EAP Services
If you’re working in a government job—good news.
You probably qualify for an Employee Assistance Programme.
Free counselling. Legal advice. Emotional support.
All covered.
Private companies sometimes offer this too.
HR departments usually know more.
You can ask. Quietly.
Just say, “Does our company have EAP support?”
Simple as that.
TEARS Foundation
Abuse is abuse.
It doesn’t matter where it happens.
Home. Street. Work.
TEARS Foundation helps survivors.
Free trauma counselling. Legal advice. Even medical referrals.
It’s confidential.
And it works through a mobile service—so it’s super accessible.
Dial 1347355# from any phone.
No airtime needed.
They don’t just listen. They act.
What About Unions?
If you’re part of a union, you might have more help than you think.
Most unions offer:
– Legal aid
– Counselling
– Abuse support
– Case representation
They’ve dealt with workplace abuse cases before.
They’ve seen it all.
And they don’t back down.
Unions like:
– COSATU
– NEHAWU
– NUMSA
– SADTU
Even if you’re not a member yet, reach out.
They might point you in the right direction.
Community Organisations That Care
Sometimes it’s easier to go local.
Less red tape. More heart.
That’s where community NGOs shine.
They’re grounded. Real. Personal.
Places like:
FAMSA – Deals with family, work, and trauma counselling.
POWA – Focuses on women’s rights and abuse victims.
Sonke Gender Justice – Helps fight gender-based violence and harassment.
Many of these groups work from donations.
So they offer their services for free—or pay-what-you-can.
Reach out.
They get it
Text-Based Help: Chat to Heal
Some people don’t like talking.
Phones can feel too… close.
Too fast. Too much.
That’s okay.
You can text instead.
WhatsApp and online chat counselling are becoming big.
And it’s great for those silent breakdowns between meetings.
Try:
SADAG’s WhatsApp Support Line
Befrienders SA Chat Counselling
LOVE Life / Rise Clubs for Youth & Women
It’s private.
Fast.
Safe.
And you’re still being heard.
What If It’s Criminal?
Workplace abuse isn’t always “just feelings.”
Sometimes it’s serious. Illegal.
Sexual harassment. Physical assault. Discrimination.
Unfair dismissal after reporting it? That’s not okay either.
In these cases, don’t panic.
You still have free options.
Try:
Legal Aid South Africa
0800 110 110
www.legal-aid.co.za
Or go to:
CCMA – They help with unfair dismissal, abuse, workplace disputes.
www.ccma.org.za
You don’t need to go to court tomorrow.
Start with a call.
Just say what happened.
They’ll guide you.
Can’t Leave Yet? It’s Okay
Not everyone can walk away.
Rent needs to be paid.
Kids need food.
Jobs are hard to find.
So if you’re still stuck in that toxic environment, don’t beat yourself up.
You’re surviving.
But while you’re there?
Start healing. Quietly.
Speak to someone.
Free counselling helps you plan your next move.
Keeps your mental health in check.
And makes sure you don’t carry the damage forever.
It’s a step forward.
Even if it’s just a small one.
For Employers Reading This
Don’t scroll past.
Don’t pretend this doesn’t happen.
If you’re a manager, business owner, HR professional—listen.
You set the tone.
You create the culture.
You decide what is allowed and what is punished.
Make sure your employees feel safe.
Mentally. Emotionally. Physically.
Offer counselling.
React when someone speaks up.
Protect, don’t silence.
Because a workplace isn’t just about profit.
It’s about people.
Closing Words
Work should challenge you.
But it shouldn’t break you.
If your job is hurting your heart, your mind, your sense of safety—
Something is wrong.
And that’s not your fault.
The help is there.
Free. Confidential. Ready.
You don’t have to face this alone.
There are trained people who want to hear your story.
No judgment. No pressure.
Just support.
That’s all.
And sometimes?
That’s exactly what you need.
Need Help Now?
Lifeline SA – 0861 322 322
SADAG – 0800 456 789
WhatsApp – 076 882 2775
TEARS Foundation – 1347355#
Legal Aid SA – 0800 110 110
This article is for information purposes only and not a substitute for professional legal or psychological advice.
If you or someone you know is facing workplace abuse, consider contacting the organisations listed above for direct support.
