At MAD (Making a difference) Domestic Watch’s last monthly meeting for 2013 in Fontainebleu it was made clear that communication is a key ingredient in ensuring safety.
MAD is an initiative aimed at training domestic workers to protect themselves against crime. MAD Domestic Watch meeting facilitator Annie Conway said at the monthly meetings they repeatedly come up with new tactics, “because the crooks do too”. “If they have entered the house, do not fight back. Let them take whatever they want. You can replace everything, but you cannot replace yourself.”
Conway explained that communication with an employer is very important. “If your employer is leaving the property, they must tell you where they are going and when they are expected back. The same applies to you. You do not want to arrive late at night and your employer thinks you are an intruder. And tell each other who you are expecting to visit the property. Do not sms them that you are on your way back.”
Stephan Stander from ADT gave domestic workers a few pointers on how to ensure their safety. “You can have the best security but if you are not aware of what is going on around you, you are not fully protected. You have to get your name out in the street, you should pay attention to your neighbours, what cars they drive so that you know when a vehicle looks suspicious.” Stander referred to a recent incident in Linden where a criminal posed as a security guard. “Do not judge people based on their appearance, no matter how neat or behaved they appear.” Stander also stressed the importance of having a panic button.
“Your employers should always put themselves in your shoes. If there is trouble at the property while the owner is not there, the owner should think about what he would do if he ws in that situation,” she concluded. The next meeting is scheduled for 21 January.
Details: Annie Conway 011 791 6692, annie@solute.co.za
