New GRIP care room opens at White River Police Station
GRIP is hopeful that new care room will assist community members in reporting crimes such as rape and domestic violence.
The Greater Rape Intervention Programme (GRIP) inaugurated a care room at the White River Police Station on Monday May 6.
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This facility aims to serve as the primary point of contact for victims seeking the organisation’s services. Tarryn Lokotsch, GRIP’s CEO, said this care room was funded by the Gender-based Violence and Femicide Respond Fund.
Trained first responders stationed at the care room will assist and guide victims, offering support during the statement-making process and providing assistance during medical forensic examinations for rape victims.
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Lokotsch expressed hope that this initiative would encourage community members to report cases of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, rape and the neglect of children.
To access GRIP’s services at the White River Police Station:
• Inform the relevant police officer that you desire to access GRIP support services.
• The police officer will escort you to the care room in the police station.
• At the care room, a GRIP first responder will offer trauma support. If a victim wishes to file a criminal case, the first responder will call an investigating officer to the care room to record the victim’s statement.
Lokotsch stressed that all victims, regardless of whether they intend to report a crime to the police, may access GRIP’s services. She explained that in cases of rape, a first responder will facilitate a forensic medical examination of the victim, even if they are not ready to report the incident, ensuring the preservation of crucial DNA evidence for future legal action.
GRIP secretary Joané Strydom expressed confidence that this care room will significantly impact the lives of local community members, eliminating the need for them to travel to Mbombela to access services. Lokotsch added that she anticipates an increase in the number of community members reporting crimes, emphasising the importance of reporting to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
In addition to the care room in White River, GRIP operates care rooms at Matikwana and Tintswalo hospitals, dedicated facilities in Bushbuckridge, as well as in Nelspruit, Daantjie, Hazyview, Masoyi and KaBokweni police stations, and the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
In 2023, first responders provided frontline support to over 1 800 survivors who reported GBV at these police station care rooms.
Survivors or individuals seeking assistance and further information can contact the GRIP helpline on 083 310 1321, available 24/7, or send an email to info@grip.org.za. Regular updates are also provided on the Facebook page, GRIP NPO.
