Safety 2 min read Audio coming soon

Emergency Support

What to do right now if you or someone you know is in danger, and time-sensitive care that can save a life.

If you are in danger right now

Help is available. You don't have to wait.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you do not have to face it alone. Help is available — and asking for it is a brave, important step.

When To Get Help Right Now

Seek emergency support if:

You are being hurt or threatened
You have experienced sexual assault
You feel you might harm yourself
A friend is talking about ending their life
A condom broke and you need PEP (within 72 hours)
You feel unsafe at home

What To Do in the Moment

If possible, move to a safer place — a neighbour, friend, clinic, school, or shop.
Call or message someone you trust.
If you have airtime, call the closest clinic or hospital.
Use the Safe Chain emergency contacts page for nearby help.

Important Time-Sensitive Care

After possible HIV exposure or sexual violence, visit a clinic within 72 hours.

A health worker can provide:

PEP (HIV prevention medicine)
Emergency contraception
STI treatment
Injury care
Counselling and follow-up

The sooner you go, the more they can help.

If You Are Supporting Someone Else

Stay calm and listen
Believe them
Do not ask blaming questions
Help them reach a safe place
Go with them to seek help if you can
Take any talk of suicide seriously

Helpful things to say:

"I'm here for you."
"This is not your fault."
"Let's get help together."

Mental Health Crisis

If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself:

Tell one person — a friend, parent, teacher, or counsellor
Move to a place where you feel safer
Remove anything that could harm you
Reach out to a clinic, faith leader, or youth organisation
Stay with someone until the feeling passes

You are not weak. You are not alone. Pain can ease with support.

Where To Find Help

Government clinics and hospitals
Police Victim Support Units
School counsellors
Trusted community organisations
Women's and children's protection services
Faith leaders you trust

Use the Safe Chain Emergency page for quick-dial contacts and the Find Services map for the nearest clinic.

You Deserve Safety

Reaching out is the strongest thing you can do.

Help exists. Care exists. You matter.

Remember

You have the right to private, respectful information about your body and your health — without shame and without judgement.

Where to get help

Find your nearest youth-friendly clinic on the Services page, or use the Emergency contacts.