Help Durban North organisation collect care packs
The North Durban Support Team is calling on the community to donate sanitary and toiletry items, as well as the business sector to encourage their staff to support the campaign and also become a drop-off/collection point.
A GROUP of trained volunteers, who witness first-hand the abuse that women go through on a daily basis, is requesting community participation in assisting these women by donating items for a sexual-assault care kit.
The forum is the North Durban Victim Support Team which fall under the Durban North Community Policing Forum banner. These individuals offer counselling and other support to victims of rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, crime and other traumatic incidents.
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Speaking to Northglen News, Sadiyya Haffajee, who is a team leader of the group, said the processes that need to be followed after a rape can be incredibly daunting for the victim, however, they are there to offer guidance and support.
“Our team is trained to guide them through this difficult process, but often victims can’t even take a moment to wash their face, change into fresh clothes, or brush their teeth. These battles can leave women without a roof over their heads or the essentials,” she said.
Although these incidents take place throughout the year, the group decided to aptly launch the comfort pack collection in August as it is Women’s Month.
“Handing over these essential items to a woman who has been left traumatised by her abuser means the world to her. It provides a sense of comfort and hope to the victim . Our team is not here to pity them but to support and re-empower them,” she said.
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“Your support allows us to go beyond the basics, offering dignity, care and reassurance in their darkest hour,” she added.
Items required are sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body soap or wipes (any product that is safe for the body and face), 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (shampoo only is also acceptable), new or surgical underwear (surgical underwear is one size fits all), mints or gum.
Nina Grabe, who is steering the comfort pack collection project ,encouraged everyone to get involved in whichever way they can.
“Whether its running a small financial or product donation, being a part of the conversation or connecting with us through your business, your support allows us to better empower women who survive incredibly difficult battles and offers them the reassurance that their community supports them,” she added.
Captain Sam Naidoo, who has been with SAPS for 40 years and the Durban Central FCS Unit for 28, said it’s no secret that rape is a big problem in South Africa. He said that many victims are not fully aware of the procedure that follows afterwards and that the first 72 hours following a rape are crucial.
“As long as rape is reported within 72 hours, there is a good possibility of finding forensic evidence. It’s very important that the victim does not shower, wash or wipe herself until evidence is collected. The victim should not even relieve herself if possible. If a sanitary pad or panty liner was used, it should not be discarded. Semen, hair and saliva assist with linking a suspect to crime. After 72 hours, the likelihood of finding evidence is slim,” said Naidoo.
“As difficult as it may be, it’s crucial that the victim remembers details from the ordeal. The district surgeon will swab wherever the rapist may have touched. This is called touch DNA,” he added.
Naidoo’s advice to anyone who has been a victim of rape is to go to a Thuthuzela Centre or any crisis centre attached to a public hospital.
“Here, you will be assisted by police, social workers, counsellors and the district surgeon. There is no need for the victim to go to various different places for these services as they are offered under one roof at these facilities,” he added.
Banking details:
North Durban Support Group
ABSA Bank
Account Number: 9341464182
Reference: NDVST CARE KITS
Drop off items at Kensington Square SPAR at 53 Adelaide Tambo Drive.
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