New satellite office for Victim Empowerment Group launched at Sizwe Secondary
Bedfordview’s Victim Empowerment Group needs your help as they gear up for the launch of a new satellite office in Elandsfontein.
The Bedfordview Victim Empowerment Group will launch a new satellite office in Elandsfontein on February 17 at Sizwe Secondary School.
The group is an integral part of the Bedfordview CPF, comprising volunteers who assist victims of crime with short-term trauma debriefings.
The public is invited to the event, which will run from 09:00 to noon.
Event co-ordinator Carolyn Williams explained that over the last year, they have seen an increase in violent crimes affecting the Elandsfontein community.
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“These include murder, attempted murder, domestic violence and rape. When the volunteer on duty contacts the victims, we find they don’t have the financial means to get to the Bedfordview Police Station, where we are based, for trauma debriefing.
“With our satellite empowerment room in Elandsfontetin, we will be able to reach more victims of crime and assist them with trauma debriefing, how to and when to open cases, relevant information about the crimes in the area and referrals to clinics and social workers,” she explained.
She calls on the community to support the launch and the volunteers.
“The Bedfordview SAPS covers the community of Bedfordview, Klopperpark and Elandsfontein. These communities all need to assist each other in making it the safe, caring community we want to live in and be part of,” said Williams.
The satellite office will be at Sizwe Secondary School.
For now, the trauma debriefing will be done once a week by appointment only.
“As we see the need for trauma debriefing increase, we will have more days available for appointments. Over time, we will invite the Elandsfontein community members to become volunteer trauma debriefers so that the community can support and uplift each other,” she said.
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In addition to offering trauma debriefing to crime victims, families or community members affected by the crime can also have access to these services.
Williams asks the community members of Bedfordview, Klopperpark and Elandsfontein to support the group.
Businesses or individuals are welcome to support through monetary donations.
Williams expressed her gratitude to the BCPF for providing them with a Zozo and printing flyers, posters and business cards.
“We want to keep giving by providing the community of Bedfordview, Klopperpark and Elandsfontein with access to what they need.
“Therefore, we ask for the community’s support in helping us feed the community members in Elandsfontein who will attend our launch.
“We are hoping for donations of fruits, tinned food, Cup-a-Soup and Styrofoam cups to serve it in,” she shared.
For enquiries, call the empowerment group on 076 474 2252.
