Newly refurbished Victim Empowerment Centre a boon for Dobsonville Police Station
"Research has proven that 75 per cent of abuse victims who try to leave, end up being killed by their partners.”
The Dobsonville Police Station and insurance giant, Assupol have completed the refurbishment of the Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) at the Dobsonville Police Station last Wednesday.
According to station commander brigadier Sipho Ngubane, the VEC was in desperate need of repair when he first joined the Dobsonville Police Station five months ago.
“The conditions were depressing to the peope who came to the centre to seek help.
“Today is a special day for all the people who are determined to fight crime.
“Assupol played an important role in making this day a success,” said Ngubane.
He said in most cases, abuse victims get killed by their loved ones. Ngubane said Karabo Mokoena, Zolile Khumalo, Charlotte Dlamini and other victims were killed by their partners when they tried leaving their abusive relationships.
Ngubane added that, in most cases, abuse victims find it hard to get out of an abusive relationship.
He said, “Perpetrators of abuse often bribe their victims with gifts after they have abused them.
“Research has proven that 75 per cent of abuse victims who try to leave, end up being killed by their partners.”
Assupol regional general manager, Thabo Msimango said their involvement with the Dobsonville Police Station came through their sales manager in April after they arranged to paint and furnish the centre.
“Our relationship with the police station is ongoing and we promise to provide assistance upon their request.
“This is part of giving back to the community.
“Our doors will forever remain open to not only Dobsonville Police Station, but other police stations,” said Msimango.
Mapaseka Khumbuca, an abuse victim, said the centre has helped her to file a case against her abusive partner.
She said the victim’s supporter at the centre tried to organised a place for her to stay with her children when she reported her husband.
“My partner use to beat me with a hammer and would later buy me gifts as a way of asking for forgiveness.
“He used to promise that he wouldn’t beat me again, but these were empty promises because the abuse would continue shortly afterwards.
“He was very manipulative and it would appear to others that I was at fault.
“My husband’s friends would convince me to drop the charges after my husband was arrested.
“I would not drop the case because I sought justice.
“I urge victims of abuse to report cases of abuse,” said Khumbuca.
