#GBVAwareness: Brighton Beach police encourage victims to use station’s friendly room
The Victim-Friendly Room allows victims of crime to make their statement in a private, non-threatening environment.
BRIGHTON Beach police are encouraging victims of crime to utilise their Victim-Friendly Room (VFR).
The facility, which officially opened its doors on August 9, is situated within the Brighton Beach Police Station at 133 Hoosen Haffajee Road, The Bluff. Captain Louise le Roux, Brighton Beach police spokesperson, said that together with various stakeholders, an empowerment awareness campaign to advocate for the services offered at the VFR was held in Clairwood recently.
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She said 850 information guides were disturbed.
“The facility has become a beacon of hope within the Brighton Beach policing precinct. The VFR provides an opportunity for victims of all forms of crimes, including intimate violence, such as gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual offences and domestic violence, to make their statement in a private, non-threatening environment.
“Victims will be able to access various victim support services through the facility. There are also multiple stakeholders who provide victim support services,” she said.
Le Roux said the VFR is manned on a 24-hour standby call system, and victims will receive a professional, accessible and sensitive service when engaging the victim support unit.
“Victims will be treated with dignity and respect, ensuring that their rights are protected and empowering them while preventing secondary victimisation.
“Through the support of stakeholders, the police achieved their strategic objective, which was to host social responsibility, educational and empowering programmes on a vital service available to victims of crime,” she said.
For more information or for assistance, call 031 451 8059/60.
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