Survivors of crime can get free support at Reiger Park SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre

Victims of crime within the Reiger Park policing precinct are encouraged to make use of the services offered at the police station’s Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC).

Officially opened late last year, the trauma centre, equipped with experienced counsellors, strives to support victims of crime in the community, and its main aim is to provide immediate service to victims of crime, as well as to take all their needs into account.

It helps to counsel victims of crimes including domestic violence, abuse, rape, bullying and others. The team at the centre believe that in the community there are a lot of victims of crime who need help from a centre like theirs.

“We are here to assist, support and to provide the required information,” said one of the volunteers, Renee Hermanus.

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At the centre, victims receive counselling sessions and if they need further assistance they are referred to the relevant specialists or centres. During the sessions, the counsellor also explains the steps going forward, for example, in the case of domestic violence, the victim may need to get a protection order and this process is explained.

The trauma centre’s involvement doesn’t end there; they will still have follow-up sessions with the victim in question even after the referral.

Hermanus added that, though the volunteers and social workers may not be in the office physically at all times like outside normal business hours, a volunteer will always be on call to assist.

The VEC closely works with numerous NGOs and care centres in and around Boksburg.

For more information on the services rendered by the centre or to find out how to make a donation, call the centre on 060 636 0065/084 019 2721.

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