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.