Fairland CPF Victim Support Unit share their progress for the month

The Victim Support Unit of Fairland Community Policing Forum (CPF) is a shining light for the community.

They recently addressed residents and those in attendance of the Fairland’s CPF October meeting. The unit is tasked with giving victims of crime trauma counselling.

Head of the unit Dr Sally Röthemeyer shared the activities they took part in, in the last few weeks.

She noted that there is an increase in drug-related call outs. She said that these type of call outs are resource intense as they require time and follow-ups from doctors.

Dr Röthemeyer was pleased to announce that there weren’t any rape or child abuse cases they were called out to in the last month.

After crime incidents, the police are advised not to pressure victims to come to the station to give a statement/report.

These victims can submit their reports after receiving trauma counselling or medical attention.

Once Victim Support has attended to the matter and the victim feels like they can compile a report, they can either go to the police station or have the police come to them for a statement.

Dr Röthemeyer was also happy to share the news of forensic psychologists, Dr Martin Kassen, joining the team.

His addition is a highly appreciated one as he brings valuable experience to the unit. There are also five other people that have applied to be part of the volunteers.

Dr Röthemeyer reminded the public that they are not paid for the work they do and neither are any of the volunteers.

“I would like to clarify a misconception as a lot of the public are under the impression that Victim Support members are paid. This is a volunteer duty offered at no cost as a service to the community.”

Dr Gulam Karim, Fairland CPF chairperson, thanked all the members of the unit for the tremendous work they are doing for the community.

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