Dr. Antoinette Beukes – A Leading Voice in Trauma and Child Advocacy

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Dr. Antoinette Beukes stands at the forefront of traumatology in South Africa, with over 20 years of unmatched experience in the field of complex trauma, trauma intervention and assessments, and child advocacy. Her name is synonymous with excellence in cases involving divorce matters, all forms of sexual abuse, child abuse, neglect and abandonment, occult ritual abuse, and trauma across all stages of life, from early childhood to adulthood.

 

Her academic foundation began at the University of Pretoria in 1992, where she studied B.Ed in Education and Childhood Development. Driven by a deep desire to understand and heal the emotional wounds of fractured families, she completed her studies with a PhD in Counselling at Trinity University in 2012. Her groundbreaking research, “The Traumatic Effect on Childhood Growing Up in a Fractured Family in the South African Context,” continues to inform legal and psychological practices nationwide.

 

Dr. Beukes is internationally accredited and registered as an EMDR Practitioner with specialization in EMDR with children. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is used as a powerful tool and technique to desensitize trauma. Dr. Beukes is more than an academic—she is a changemaker. In 2011, she founded Hearts for Justice, a lifeline for vulnerable children and families who cannot afford psychological or legal support. Through this platform, she ensures that no child is left without a voice or professional care due to financial limitations.

Her expertise is sought after by legal professionals and the courts, where she frequently serves as an expert witness. In these roles, she stands as a powerful voice for the voice of the child, ensuring that children's experiences and views of their worlds are not only heard but fully understood and respected in legal proceedings.

 

To expand her impact, Dr. Beukes established Kardia Trauma Research, Training, and Therapy Institute (Pty) Ltd. in 2011, a pioneering initiative offering professional training across multiple disciplines for those working with traumatized children. Her mission: to create a network of informed, empowered practitioners who can recognize trauma and respond with skill and compassion.

Compassionate, committed, and deeply respected, Dr. Beukes is not only a leader in her field but also a force for healing. Above all, she is a devoted mother who values the strength of family and community.