About Us
About Family Support Trust
Family Support Trust (FST) is a Zimbabwean registered private voluntary organisation dedicated to the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence. Founded in 1997 by paediatricians, gynaecologists, psychologists, and social workers at Harare Central Hospital (now Sally Mugabe Central Hospital), FST pioneered survivor-friendly clinics designed to minimise re-traumatisation and provide compassionate, comprehensive care. The organisation delivers free medical and psychosocial support services to survivors while advancing prevention, advocacy, and capacity building across communities and key institutions.
Through strong partnerships with government ministries, hospitals, and civil society, FST promotes healing, safety, and dignity for survivors and works to transform social norms that perpetuate violence. Our integrated approach spans direct clinical services, counselling, training of frontline professionals, and community engagement that empowers families and communities to prevent and respond to abuse.
Our Journey
From its origins inside a busy central hospital, FST recognised that survivors of sexual violence required specialised, survivor-centred care. The first dedicated clinic created a safe pathway for medical examination, HIV and STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and the completion of medical affidavits to support prosecution. Over time, the model expanded to include psychosocial support, legal referrals, mobile outreach, and training programmes for health workers, law enforcement officers, educators, and social workers.
Today, FST operates and jointly operates survivor-friendly clinics across Zimbabwe and leads prevention and advocacy initiatives that reach schools, churches, and community spaces. Our commitment remains the same as in 1997: deliver timely, free, confidential support to survivors and strengthen systems that protect children, women, and all vulnerable groups.
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Our Mission
To prevent and respond to sgbv through survivor-centred approaches, research and advocacy.
Our Vision
An empowered society free from sexual and gender-based violence.
Our Core Values
Non-discrimination, Integrity, Empathy, Result-oriented, Confidentiality, Innovation, Continuous Learning.
Who We Serve
FST serves survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including children, adolescents, and adults, with free, confidential medical and psychosocial services. We also support caregivers and families, and we work with communities, schools, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, and civil society to strengthen prevention and protection. In addition, we equip frontline professionals—health workers, police officers, social workers, and educators—with survivor-centred skills that improve case management and coordinated response.
Why Choose Family Support Trust?
Survivor-Centred Care
Specialised clinics and trained teams provide compassionate, confidential, and timely services at no cost.
Integrated Services
Medical care, psychosocial support, legal documentation, referrals, and mobile outreach under one coordinated model.
Proven Expertise
Decades of experience pioneering survivor-friendly services and training thousands of frontline professionals.
Prevention and Advocacy
Community programmes that challenge harmful norms and promote safety, respect, and equality.
Strong Partnerships
Close collaboration with government ministries, hospitals, and civil society ensures comprehensive, system-level impact.
National Footprint
Multiple survivor-friendly clinics and outreach activities across urban and border communities increase access to care.
Learn More About Us or Get in Touch
If you would like to understand our work in greater detail or explore partnership opportunities, our team is ready to assist.