Community collaborate at Lonehill Park Domestic Worker Forum
Residents, social workers, and police officials unite to discuss safety, crime prevention, and support services for domestic workers.
On May 15, community members, law enforcement officials, and social service providers gathered at the Domestic Worker Forum held in Lonehill Park, fostering crucial discussions on safety and crime prevention.
The event, organised by the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum, aimed to strengthen the bond between residents and authorities while addressing issues that directly impact domestic workers and their communities.
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Shelley Miller, the marketing and communications manager of the Lonehill Residents Association, warmly welcomed attendees and introduced the diverse roster of role-players committed to community safety and support.
The forum featured insightful discussions on a range of topics, including common robberies, gender-based violence, child protection, and home security.
Sergeant Diale, the sector manager at Douglasdale police, provided updates on recent crime trends, emphasising the importance of vigilance and community cooperation.
Warrant Officer Nicole Mokwena from SAPS’s Social Crime Prevention unit shed light on critical social issues such as gender-based violence, the process of obtaining court orders for protection, and child safeguarding measures.
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Representatives from social services also contributed to the conversation. Lenient Ndlovu from Impact Baby Rescue discussed crisis pregnancy counselling, parent support programmes, and initiatives such as the Baby Saver campaign, which aims to protect infants from abandonment and harm.
Vathiswa Nkuzo of the Department of Community Safety addressed various forms of abuse – physical, emotional, economic, and verbal – and highlighted the Gauteng E-panic button app, a tool designed to enhance personal safety through quick emergency response.
Security expert Timothy Mokondo from Fidelity Security Services emphasised home security awareness, the importance of knowing emergency contact numbers, and compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. His presentation aimed to empower residents with practical safety tips to safeguard their homes and families.
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The event culminated with heartfelt thanks from Freda Boiles, representing the Douglasdale CPF, who expressed appreciation for all the participants’ dedication to building a safer community. “These forums are a valuable way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and community members in the precinct,” said Boiles.
“They also provide an effective means of gathering crime-related information directly from domestic employees, a segment of the community often directly affected by crime.”
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