Residents of Primrose can now access services of Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre by visiting the Primrose Police Station.
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They offer social crime prevention and victim empowerment programmes.
Ekupholeni is a non-profit organisation, based in Katlehong, which has satellite offices in different police stations, including Primrose SAPS.
The organisation engages with individuals, families and communities in a comprehensive, holistic process of healing, recovery and empowerment.
The centre was established by a former department of health psychologist as a response to the potentially long-term effects of trauma caused by community violence and killings.
Ezra Senyatsi, a social auxiliary worker said the organisation has experience in promoting social justice, gender equality, strengthening community response to HIV, and/or promotion of social and behaviour change communication programming.
“Ekupholeni has an understanding and experience in community development, social facilitation, and community mobilisation,” said Senyatsi.
The Social Crime Prevention Programme (SCP) provide services to all persons at risk and in conflict with the law, ensuring social protection and contributing to a safer society, in support of law enforcement and crime combating initiatives.
The Victim Empowerment Programme (VEC) is a prevention service whereby the organisation engages victims of crime and violence in sustainable social and economic development programmes that seek to enhance their quality of life.
“In Primrose we have engaged on door to door awareness campaigns to capacitate the community with relevant information. We offer psychosocial services to victims of gender based violence or trauma,” said Senyatsi.
“We offer counselling and therapy to victims of violence. Our victim friendly rooms (VFR) are based in the different stations we operate from. We also do referrals to different relevant stakeholders where needed.”
Sergeant Styles Maome, Primrose SAPS cooperate communications, said they commonly engage with the community in awareness campaigns to discourage residents from committing crime and offer motivational talks.
“We sensetise residents about gender based violence, house breaking and theft. Whenever there is a victim that comes to the client service centre, we refer them to the VFR,” said Maome.
“Most people come to the station not knowing what to do. They will open a case and tomorrow they disappear.
“In the informal settlement we have learnt that most people open a case to threaten the perpetrator,” said Maome.
