Who We Are
Family Support Trust (FST) is a Zimbabwean registered private voluntary organisation dedicated to the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The organisation provides free medical and psychosocial support services to survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence.
Founded in 1997 by paediatricians, gynaecologists, psychologists, and social workers at Harare Central Hospital (now Sally Mugabe Central Hospital), FST was established in response to concerns about the re-traumatisation of abused children within the general casualty system. Their shared commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and confidential space for survivors led to the establishment of Zimbabwe’s first survivor-friendly clinic, designed to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care.
FST became the first non-governmental organisation in Zimbabwe to conduct medical examinations for survivors of sexual violence. Since then, it has expanded its services to include psychosocial care, advocacy, prevention programmes, and professional training for service providers. The organisation continues to lead national efforts to end SGBV through a survivor-centred, rights-based approach.
Our Work
Family Support Trust combines medical, psychological, and community-driven interventions to promote healing and prevent abuse. The organisation operates a network of survivor-friendly clinics and outreach programmes designed to respond to survivors’ needs holistically.
FST’s comprehensive model includes:
Medical Services
Confidential examinations, HIV and STI testing, treatment, and emergency contraception for survivors.
Psychosocial Support
Counselling for individuals, families, and groups to promote healing and emotional well-being.
Capacity Building
Training health professionals, social workers, educators, and law enforcement officers in survivor-centred care.
Community Engagement
Awareness campaigns, dialogues, and programmes that challenge harmful norms and empower communities to prevent gender-based violence.
Our Founding Philosophy
FST’s work is built on compassion, professionalism, and respect for the dignity of every survivor. The organisation believes that every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors receive all necessary medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance under one coordinated system, reducing trauma and promoting recovery.
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.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or gender-based violence, compassionate help is available. Visit our Get Help page to find a survivor-friendly clinic near you.