On 17th September 2021, on what would have been Elsa’s 38th birthday, we helped Butoke to launch the Elsa Corp Justice Project. The purpose of the Project is to help survivors of sexual violence in the area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where Butoke works, and to bring the perpetrators of sexual violence to justice. The Project has now completed its first two years of operation with some outstanding results – further details below.
The Project is named in honour of Elsa Corp, our beautiful daughter and sister. Elsa was a happy, kind, and extremely caring person, who was adored by her many friends. She always had a smile on her face, and loved to go out and have a good time with her friends. Elsa grew up in Cheltenham in the suburbs of Melbourne, and was a hairdresser by trade.
On the 1st of February 2010, Elsa was murdered by a man introduced to her by a friend. Unknown to Elsa, her “date” had a criminal record and was on parole at the time, and although he had broken parole, he was released from prison anyway. To try and change laws that would allow violent re-offenders to be free within the community, we campaigned by letters, appearances on radio and television, and a public rally that gathered over 10,000 signatures. Finally, in 2013 “Elsa’s Law” was introduced into parliament, stating that prisoners who had committed a serious offence whilst on parole were to be re-imprisoned.
Elsa would love the fact that her name is associated with a cause that helped young girls and women in such terrible situations. She would probably say “that is so not fair”, and be appalled at some of the cases that we have heard about in the DRC. She would be thrilled to know that she is helping these girls seek justice.
– Gilly, Andy, and Danny Corp
Sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Sexual violence is endemic in the DRC. In perhaps the majority of cases, survivors of sexual violence receive no assistance after being attacked and perpetrators are not charged with any criminal offence. The perpetrators often carry on with their lives in the community without sanction. Further, the survivors of sexual violence often find that they are rejected by their own families and communities.
Butoke has for some time tried to improve the situation in the part of the DRC where it operates. It has done this by providing assistance to survivors of sexual violence and by encouraging the prosecution of perpetrators. The assistance provided is both medical and practical. In addition, Butoke pays for the survivors of sexual violence to be legally represented so that charges may be brought when a perpetrator is arrested. If survivors are not legally represented, then charges will not usually be brought.
What the Elsa Corp Justice Project has achieved in 2021-2026
The ECJP is funded by the family and friends of Elsa Corp, and byrne dean, a business co-founded by Matt Dean, Elsa’s cousin in the UK. In the first six years from 2021-2026, we have raised over $36,000 AUD! Please follow our Instagram page @elsacorpjusticeproject!
So far, the project has assisted 32 women and girls. Donations provide immediate psychological and medical care, as well as assistance with food, clothing and transport. The funding also supports legal assistance, leading to many of the perpetrators being imprisoned or fleeing, providing justice for survivors.
More broadly, Butoke believes it is sending a clear message to the local community: sexual violence is no longer ignored, and there are consequences for perpetrators. This message is not just communicated through the support provided to individual survivors, but now also increasingly through wider community engagement. As Butoke builds a network of volunteers across the areas it supports, the impact of its work will continue to expand.
2026 East Sandringham Cricket Club Challenge
For the past few years, the East Sandringham Cricket Club has raised money by setting the challenge to run 5km every day for the month of February.
In 2026 we expanded the challenge to do one piece of exercise every day – running, going to the gym, even a round of golf! Each entrant pays the $50 fee and then gets to work raising money and heartrates. Throughout February 2026, we raised a huge total of $9,500 AUD!
A huge thank you again to Matt Harris who did much of the work organising the challenge again this year.
See some photos below of the fund raisers in action!
How will money I donate to the Elsa Corp Justice Project be used?
Any money you give will be sent to The Friends of Butoke Charity in the UK. Then, when Butoke identifies a girl or woman who needs help after being attacked, the Charity will send funds to Butoke in the DRC. 100% of money donated will be spent in the DRC. The Charity’s running costs are paid by its trustees.
If the funds raised by the Elsa Corp Justice Project exceed those required to help the survivors of sexual violence with whom Butoke works then, in conjunction with the family of Elsa Corp, Butoke may decided to spend those excess funds on related projects. For example, Butoke has built a maternity unit in one of the communities it serves whose patients include victims of sexual violence. Butoke needs further funds to improve the very basic facilities available at the maternity unit.
The Charity will update this webpage next year with further news of the Project, so that everyone who has donated to it will be able to see what it has achieved.
How can I give money?
Friends and family of Elsa Corp in Australia can donate by visiting our 2026 justgiving page. If you have any queries about the page, please contact Danny, Elsa’s brother (danieltcorp@gmail.com). Existing supporters of Butoke may make donations by using the usual bank details and specifying that the payment is for the Elsa Corp Justice Project – or contact Paul Evans (paulevans@blueyonder.co.uk), one of the Charity’s trustees.
The Friends of Butoke Charity 