POLICE in Durban Central under Social Crime Prevention and Communications took an initiative to ensure that victims have a supportive space at the station.

“Victim Friendly Room is a dedicated space within a police station designed to provide victims of violence such as gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual offences and domestic violence with a safe and private environment to share their statement. Stakeholders joined a campaign and painted and decorated the space,” said Sgt Zanele Khomo, spokesperson of Durban Central SAPS.

Khomo extended appreciation to all the stakeholders and children who assisted with painting and repairs.

Caronesa Mitchelson, chairperson of the Durban Central SAPS, believes the CPF of Durban Central SAPS has taken a bold step forward to better support victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provide them with the care and dignity they deserve.

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“Our recent inspection of the GBV facilities at Durban Central SAPS revealed that the current conditions are not conducive to addressing the critical needs of these cases effectively. To make a meaningful difference, we have partnered with Oasis Crisis Care Organisation to upgrade these facilities with private funding. This collaboration is aimed at creating a safe and compassionate space for victims and their children — a space that reflects hope and healing for those facing the toughest moments of their lives.

“The reality is that GBV crimes, including domestic violence, abandonment, rape, and other social injustices, pose immense challenges to our community. We believe in the power of transformation. As the saying goes, ‘Ugly souls live in ugly environments’. We are determined to change these environments into places that radiate positivity and compassion, becoming beacons of light for those who need love, support, and restoration. For over a decade, we have operated on a voluntary basis, using our own resources to drive this mission forward. Despite the lack of formal funding, our commitment has never wavered. However, in order to do more and create lasting change, we are seeking sponsorships and support.”

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Mitchelson further called on sponsors to extend a hand, in order to strengthen CPF initiatives. She expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders ie SAPS, Metro Police, and all the roleplayers who tirelessly work alongside CPF to lower crime and serve the people of Durban Central.

At the forefront of the project was Fiona Pillay, Children’s Ministries leader at the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church. She shared, “As a Global Youth Day Initiative, which takes place once a year by Seventh-day Adventist churches all around the world, our church based in Sydenham, the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church decided to revamp the Children’s Trauma Room as one of the initiatives for the day.

“We all felt so blessed to have been part of this project to revamp the Children’s Trauma Room. As Children’s Ministries Leader at church, I wanted to teach the children how much better it is to give than to receive, as most of the children come from the informal settlement in Cato Manor and Sydenham Heights.”

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