PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - For years, when vulnerable children needed urgent care, they were often brought to Helene Bezuidenhout's doorstep. But without a suitable space of her own, she had to rely on friends to help provide temporary shelter.
Today, that reality has changed.
A dream realised
House Helena, a safe house for traumatised children in the Bitou area, is the realisation of a long-held dream and a deeply personal mission for Bezuidenhout.
The home offers a place of safety, care and healing for children who have experienced severe trauma, including sexual abuse.
"In Plettenberg Bay, there has never really been a place where children could be housed temporarily for protection," Bezuidenhout says. "Through my involvement with young victims, the need became clear - and the dream started taking shape."
Getting to this milestone
Her journey with this work spans several years. Bezuidenhout was closely involved with the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) at the local police station, supporting victims of sexual assault.
She often accompanied children to hospital in Knysna for medical care, staying alongside them during some of their most difficult moments.
In 2024, she and a group of dedicated friends took the next step, establishing the non-profit organisation Bitou Victim Support to strengthen services available to victims in the area.
House Helena now forms a vital part of that support network.
How it works
The safe house can accommodate five children at a time, offering them a secure, nurturing environment for up to 90 days - with the possibility of extending their stay to 180 days if needed. During this time, children receive professional counselling from qualified psychologists, helping them process trauma and begin the journey toward healing.
Referrals come through Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development, ensuring that those most in need receive care.
"This is not just a place to stay," says Bezuidenhout. "It's a place where children can start to feel safe again."
Remarkable international collaboration
The establishment of House Helena was made possible through an international and local partnership.
The Association Aid & Solidarity Fund, based in Austria, purchased the house, while Dr Ben Gehl and Julia Gehl worked alongside Plettenberg Bay residents Peter and Sandra Bippus of the Courage Club to bring the project to life in collaboration with Bitou Victim Support.
Key role players, including Child Welfare, the Department of Social Development and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in George, are also working closely with the initiative.
Despite the milestone, challenges remain. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the safe house will require ongoing support from the community.
"We need the community to help us keep this house going," Bezuidenhout says.
'This is my passion'
For her, however, the emotional reward far outweighs the challenges.
"This is my passion," she says. "To finally see it become a reality means I can make a real difference in the lives of these children."
Her message to the community is simple and powerful: "We need to return to the idea that 'my child is your child'. We must stand together, speak out against abuse, and protect our children."
With House Helena now open, this vision has taken a meaningful step forward - offering hope, healing and a safer tomorrow for some of Plettenberg Bay's most vulnerable young lives.
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