National Prosecuting Authority unveils revamped family room at Durban Magistrate’s Court
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) unveiled a family-friendly room this week in its efforts to a provide safer environment for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including children and adults.
A REVAMPED and much friendlier children’s waiting room was unveiled at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (October 29) by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) which set a precedent by creating a safe and comforting space for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors when they come to court.
Sorelle Brisset, who led the initiative and is a professional assistant to Durban Cluster Chief Prosecutor Gonasagren Naidoo, said that the room prior to the renovations looked depressing and the kids did not want to sit in there.
“It was not a place for victims of crime to be in, so we made a request to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make the changes which would come out of our own pockets. And from there, everything started to fall into place. It is now a safe space that feels like home. When they leave, we give them teddy bears or a toy from the box. They need to feel love and compassion – that somebody does care,” said Brisset.
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The room nestled in between the reception area and offices was once ‘a dull and dingy green colour’ and has been transformed with a pink sofa, warm colours, cartoon characters on every wall and a toy corner. Naidoo said the room is used every day which is a concern as it highlights the seriousness of the rising number of gender-based violence cases as well as domestic abuse and sexual assault victims. He said it is important to establish a rapport with the victims because of the official environment of court.
“We do not allow members of the public access into that room; it is a place for victims to feel safe. This room is good for our court, and I am grateful that the DOJ allowed for the changes to happen,” said Naidoo.
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Acting Regional Court President Anand Maharaj applauded the initiative. He said, “To you, it may be a toy, but to them, it’s confidence and stability. It puts the victim at ease. It may be a small gesture, but it makes a huge impact on the kids.”
He recommended that other courts take on the challenge of creating a safe space for victims. “Every courthouse that deals with sexual offence must have a waiting room that is conducive to a child, inspires confidence and makes the child feel safe. If we can get sponsors on board, we might be able to get this initiative authorised in other courthouses that deal with these sorts of cases,” added Maharaj.
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