The Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) at Boksburg Police Station is struggling to keep its facility up to par, and is now appealing for public help to change the poor state of the centre.
The centre needs help to replace its old and broken furniture, fix the cracked and peeling walls, and decorate and upgrade the consultation room to look more friendly and welcoming to victims.
The main function of the facility is to provide survivors of crime, especially abused children and women, with professional and confidential services free of charge. It is equipped with experienced counsellors who provide immediate services, such as counselling to victims, including those who have been subjected to domestic violence, abuse, rape, bullying and others.
The VEC closely works with numerous NGOs and care centres in and around Boksburg, and victims who need further assistance are referred to the relevant specialists or centres.
The trauma centre’s involvement doesn’t end there. They will still have follow-up sessions with the victim in question even after the referral.
Public encouraged to make use of the services offered at VEC
According to the team at the centre, the facility has seen a dwindling number of people making use of the services rendered there. The staff attributed this to a number of factors, including poor communication, which in turn results in a lack of information on the part of the public.
“We are here to help, support and provide the required information, but there’s been a downward trend in people coming to seek help of late. We are working on a plan to revive our door-to door campaign amid the pandemic,” explained social auxiliary worker Hazel Mathebula and victim supporter Lerato Stock.
To make a donation or for more information on the services rendered call Hazel Mathebula on 079 014 1966 or 079 076 2513.
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