Randburg’s Victim Support Unit assists all
KENSINGTON B - The Randburg Trauma Centre avails its services for 24 hours a day and helps victims of crime to come to terms with trauma.
Crime can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter how prepared we think we are. When a crime occurs it has a lasting effect and oftentimes victims of crime need support. The Randburg Victim Support Unit offers support to victims of crime 24 hours a day, every day. Sergeant Dipuo Maphanga, who is in charge of the Victim Support Unit at the Randburg Police Station in Kensington B, said they assist victims of any crime at any time.
“Once a victim is referred to us we immediately begin with the debriefing to allow that person to release the pressure that is building inside,” she said. She explained that oftentimes victims felt alone and that if counselling was not offered, non-treatment of trauma could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, at a later stage.
She further explained that she and her team of volunteers have been trained to deal with trauma and that she has two degrees under her belt; one for social sciences and another for behavioural social sciences in HIV/Aids management. Currently, Sgt Maphanga is completing her honour’s degree at Unisa.
“We do not allocate a specific time when dealing with victims, as the time we spend with them can be all day, depending on the type of crime they have experienced. With domestic abuse and rape victims, we have to take them to the hospital and that can be a lengthy procedure,” she said. Anything that victims of crime say to Sgt Maphanga or the volunteers is strictly confidential and victims can rest assured that what they say will not go any further than the walls of the trauma centre.
“It is only in cases where there are children involved and the court wants us to testify on the child’s statement, that we will say anything, otherwise we adhere to the strictest level of confidentiality,” she noted.
She highlighted that this type of work can be dangerous, citing that in abuse cases, where there is an abusive spouse involved, they can be followed while transporting the victim to a hospital or a place of safety. She urges community members to continue supporting the trauma centre as they depend heavily on public support.
Anyone who becomes a victim of crime and needs trauma counselling can go to the Randurg Police Station or contact the sector vehicles who will advise on what steps to follow.
• Sector One: 071 675 7115/7116
• Sector Two: 071 675 7117/7123
• Sector Three: 071 675 7119/7120
Details: Randburg Trauma Centre, 083 458 5887
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