Facility to protect the dignity and rights of victims

A long-awaited and much-needed victim-friendly facility has opened its doors on the Parys SAPS premises at last. In terms of the standard operating procedure: Victim Friendly Services, and as part of Vispol, the Parys SAPS is obliged to have a vacant office or any other room at the police station to serve as a victim-friendly facility.

This is to protect the victims’ dignity and rights and shield them from secondary victimisation due to inappropriate or insensitive conduct. The facility at Parys SAPS comprises of two bedrooms (or one bedroom and a playroom for children), and a room to conduct interviews and take down statements or provide emotional support. It also has a bathroom with a shower, washbasin and toilet. The facility can be used for any victims of sexual crimes, domestic violence or victims of road accidents, etc. It currently only has three office chairs and two desks.

The Parys CPF, together with a social worker in private practice, Dr Eska de Bruin, have now started a campaign to improve this facility, as the government does not provide any funding.

They are in dire need of support from the public for:

* Any furniture, including sofas, easy chairs, single beds, bedding, cushions, throws, duvets and blankets.

* Pyjamas, any baby grows, a small child’s bed, baby cot and baby blankets.

* A television, DVD player and DVDs for children.

* Toys for younger children

* Books or magazines for teenagers and adults.

* Colouring books, pens, pencils and whiteboard markers.

* Bathroom supplies, i.e. soap, shower gels, washcloths, towels, bathrobes, tooth-brushes, toothpaste, female sanitary products and a small table to fit in the bathroom,

* Any carpet for the bathroom and toilet seat cover.

* Any cleaning products for the walls, floors, bathroom etc.

* An electrician willing to inspect the electricity at the facility free of charge (any repairs will be paid for)

* The bedroom’s ceiling needs to be sealed. * Any locks for extra security to ensure theft and vandalism is kept to a minimum.

* NAN HA, bottles and bottle cleaner for a baby, any dry food, plates or bowls, and spoons. The facility has no fridge or refrigerator, so food needs to be non- perishable. * Any one- or two-plate stove, gas or electricity.

* Carpets and curtains

* Paint

* Volunteers who are willing to help clean the facility.

* Any cash donation to improve the facility.

The facility will be guarded by the SAPS and community patrollers 24/7 and action will be taken against any individual damaging or stealing any improvements to the victim-friendly facility. The SAPS will safeguard the keys and locks of the property.

If you can contribute in any way to improve the facility, please phone Parys CPF chairperson, Anne-marie du Toit, on (056) 811 4631 or the CPF secretary, W/O Jan le Roux, on (056) 816 2500.