Safety Net needs volunteers
Join Safety Net to interact with and debrief victims of violent crimes.
WITH crime at unacceptable levels, it has left police swamped and often unable to function properly without the assistance of civil society. One area that is often neglected is the vital service of a helping hand, a caring individual to empathise in times of crisis.
The Westville Community Police Forum saw this need and formed Safety Net, and works in conjunction with Westville SAPS. This service, staffed by volunteers from all walks of life, provides the essential service of trained personnel to interact with and debrief victims of violent crime.
The volunteers are called out by Westville SAPS when a housebreaking or robbery occurs. They spend time with the victims to help them understand the effects of the crime event and also provide useful information on the symptoms of post traumatic stress or shock. While this service is essential, the community requires more volunteers to continue this excellent work.
Councillor Tim Brauteseth, who frequently interacts with the members of Safety Net, is calling on members of the public to get involved with this worthy initiative.
“We all are potentially victims of crime. What an assurance it is to know that there is a sympathetic person who will be available to share and advise on the best ways to handle such traumatic circumstances. While the Safety Net volunteers are not clinical psychologists, they are the first step in the healing and recovery process following a traumatic crime incident. We need this component of crime fighting. The question is: Will you be the person to make the difference? Will you be apathetic and be part of the problem? Or will you be part of the solution?” said Brauteseth.
Volunteers must have their own transport and be able to get to the scene of the crime and to attend training and meetings at Westville SAPS. Training of volunteers will be conducted at a later date.
Any resident wanting to get involved can contact Safety Net during the day on 076 381 3308 or evenings on 073 888 9967. Safety Net will also be hosting an information table at the Village Mall on Saturday 22 February between 9am to 12pm.
