New satellite Victim Empowerment Group to serve Elandsfontein community
The satellite counselling facility, a vital resource for victims, will offer trauma debriefing and guidance on opening criminal cases or obtaining protection orders.
To commemorate Mandela Day, the Bedfordview Victim Empowerment Group spearheaded an awareness campaign to address the rising crime in Elandsfontein.
Organised by trauma debriefer volunteers Delani Hollhumer and Nhlanhla Makhoba, the event shed light on the challenges faced by victims hesitant to report crimes or seek counselling because of various obstacles, including a lack of transport.
The local SAPS, ward councillors, CPF members, social crime prevention and other stakeholders, including the Department of Health, joined the event.
The empowerment group, an integral part of the Bedfordview CPF, closely monitored the surge in violent crimes, rapes, teenage rapes, attempted murders, domestic violence, and gender-based violence (GBV) in the area, as stated by Carolyn Williams, the event co-ordinator.
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Williams said one of the major hurdles was the lack of crime reporting, which prevented many victims from accessing essential support services like trauma debriefing and counselling.
In response to these challenges, the Victim Empowerment Group will, in a trial programme, establish a satellite trauma debriefing facility at Sizwe Secondary School in Elandsfontein.
Doing this would make the services more accessible to victims finding it hard to travel to the Bedfordview Police Station.
The group will ask the school to use part of their premises as the counselling centre’s location to achieve this aim.
“We want to connect the community with networks of people and resources.
“We aim to provide trauma debriefing and assistance to those who may not know how to open a case or obtain a protection order.
“We want people to be aware that there is a safe space where they can come, talk to us, and seek the help they need,” explained Hollhumer.
Williams said the satellite counselling facility aimed to bridge the gap between victims and support services without forcing them to open a case.
The primary goal is to offer a safe environment for victims to share their experiences and get the necessary guidance.
“Our trauma debriefers are there to listen and support, without judgments or opinions,” Williams stated.
They held the event at the Christian Fountain Worship Centre.
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The initiative encourages community involvement and welcomes volunteers to join. Individuals who want to become trauma debriefers will get training.
“Mandela Day embodies the spirit of community and togetherness, and this initiative aligns perfectly with those values.
“By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in Elandsfontein,” said Hollhumer.
The facility should be up and running by the end of next month.
For enquiries, contact the organisation on 063 798 5551.
