Standard Bank CIB donates care packages to Randburg domestic abuse victims

Members of Standard Bank’s Corporate Investment Banking legal division visited the Randburg Police Station’s victim support centre on 31 July to drop off a large number of care packs they collected to help victims of domestic abuse, rape and trauma.

After the 2019/20 crime statistics were released on 31 July, it was revealed that incidents of domestic abuse resulting in cases of grievous bodily harm have increased.

During his announcement of this year’s crime statistics, Minister of Police Bheki Cele said that one week into the Covid-19 lockdown saw more than 87 000 cases of gender-based violence reported across the country. Sexual offences increased by 1.7 per cent and incidents of rape increased by the same percentage compared to last year.

There has never been a better time to support these victims.Standard Bank graciously donated 50 dignity bags for women who have been victims of rape, and 30 bags for children who have been through a trauma.

“One of the goals for the year is to see how we could contribute to those in need in our communities. Reflecting on that, we thought that it was important in the current climate to help victims of gender-based violence and victims of child abuse,” said head of legal at Standard Bank Corporate Investment Banking Francisco Khoza.

He said that after thorough research, the bank chose the Randburg Police Station due to the station’s active victim support centre and the large number of victims they help on a daily basis. “In the midst of these contributions, justice is something very close to our hearts as lawyers. This is a small contribution, but all resources that have gone into building these packs come from the generous donation of the employees of the bank. Out of what we as employees have contributed, the bank matches to make it a joint effort that is truly inspirational,” added Khoza.

Randburg Community Police Forum chairperson Daryl Currie said, “At the victim support centre, we help both adults and children victims of rape, trauma and domestic abuse. These are care kits that will go towards providing dignity for these victims.”

The trauma centre offers counselling services for victims of crime, and provides a safe haven for children to discuss their recollection of crimes against them with the police.

CPF person in charge of the Victim Support Centre Kerry Wetton said, “These will definitely help to support those who have been through unimaginable incidents, and restore some dignity to their lives. Standard Bank saw the need, and we hope other businesses and community members can follow their example.”

The kits included toiletries and sanitary ware for adults, and toiletries, sweets, toys, colouring-in books, and books in vernacular languages for children.”Due to Covid-19, we have recently kick-started the trauma centre’s operations again and at the moment, the Randburg CPF is looking for qualified trauma counsellors to volunteer at the centre to help these victims,” concluded Wetton.

Details: Randburg CPF Kerry Wetton KerryW@bmc.org.za