Support for victims in Plettenberg Bay
Day or night a dedicated member of Plettenberg Bay’s victim support team are ready to assist residents who have fallen victim to crime.
Not many people know this, but the Plettenberg Bay police station has a fully functioning victim support centre run by a group of highly trained volunteers who lend a helping hand to those who need it.
“The team are trained to assist anyone from our community who have suffered trauma and come to the Plett police station to report the matter. Trauma can include anything from murder, rape, sexual molestation, robbery, mugging, accidents, domestic violence, physical violence, verbal abuse, drowning, bullying, missing persons and the list goes on,” said team spokesperson Yvette Wilschut.
She added that each person reacted differently to trauma – from hysterical crying to not saying a word – and that volunteers were there to help them become calm.
“Once the victim is assisted by a member of the police officers on duty, they will be referred to the victim support team and taken to a comfortable room at the police station. A volunteer will be called in to come and assist the victim – it does not matter what time of day. The task of the volunteer is to calm the victim and make them feel safe.
Once the victim is feeling more secure and calmer the volunteer will explain next steps that will be taken to further the investigation.”
Wilschut said all victims were treated with care, in a professional manner and everything remained completely confidential.
“Once the victim is feeling calmer and ready to talk to a police officer, someone from the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) or a social worker, the relevant official will then come in to take the next step. The victim support team member will stay with the victim during this process.”
Over and above this the volunteers also refer victims who need protection orders, counselling or any other information to the relevant organisations – giving them a referral letter to take with them.
“During the remainder of 2016 the team will be visiting local schools monthly with police to interact with the children, to educate them on abuse and create a relationship of trust with police so they know where and how to get help.”
Source: Knysna Plett Herald News