Victim Support Centre volunteers proud of their duty

Crime in South Africa continues to be prevalent, and the first responder volunteers at Linden Police Victim Support Centre have seen it all.

“The people we help have been victims or witnesses to all ranges of crime and upsetting situations including robberies, hijacking, murders, suicide, drownings, and so many other terrible situations. Our phones are on 24/7 365 a year, and we work incredibly hard,” said the Linden Police Victim Support Centre’s Di Constable.

There are currently 14 qualified volunteer victim support members who work in cooperation with the Linden Community Police Forum and the police.
“It takes a special kind of person to do this kind of work, and you have to be incredibly strong. The scene you have to attend to can be intensely traumatising to witness as a first responder, so you can only imagine how difficult it can be for a victim,” said volunteer Lorraine de Jager.

Explaining the processes first responders followed, Constable said a police officer who was at the scene of a crime would call her and she would then inform one of the first responders of the Victim Support Unit that they needed to attend the scene. They would then use their skills to comfort victims on the scene.

The first responders also perform other important tasks on the scene such as helping with the cancelling of stolen bank cards, getting hold of locksmiths, providing comforting cuddly toys to children, and more.
The responders also talk to victims to help them get a better understanding of what the processes will be in the following days after a crime has taken place.

Volunteer Janine Hunt added, “First responders are very important at the crime scene and they are there to ensure that the victim knows they are cared for.”
She said first responders helped victims to understand that the emotions they were going through were normal.
“We generally check up with the victim a day or two after the incident to see how they are coping and if they require any further assistance. It is their choice where or not they want further free counselling that we offer, and we usually offer up to three sessions with them. They are always welcome to contact us,” said Constable.

She added that in some cases, a victim of a crime would be brought directly to the station’s victim support centre for assistance.
“These are generally victims of rape, gender-based violence and young children. When they arrive at the centre, adult victims are given care packages that include toiletries and a change of underwear/clothing, and a blanket for comfort. Children are given a handmade cuddly toy.”

Local charities such as Kindness Like Confetti provide goods for the care packages, while retirement homes such as Silverstream Retirement Village knit the cuddly toys and blankets.

“We are always in need of constant support. We have to pay for our telephones, and the bills to contact victims are high. We also appeal to businesses who are willing to sponsor us to get in touch. Reflective vests that can be branded will be much appreciated. They will also help us to be easily identified as a victim support first responder when attending to the scene of a crime,” concluded Constable.

Details: admin@lindensaps.co.za
Victim Support Hotline 065 957 5996.

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