August Women’s Month: Profile on extraordinary women in our community
Women’s Day is a way to celebrate some of the outstanding achievements of women who are making a difference in various walks of life.
Hanlee Fourie from Weltevreden Park is Head of the Honeydew CPF Victim Support team whose role is to go to crime scenes to assist victims, whilst trauma counsellors will see the victim a day or two later.
Having been part of the Volunteer Patrollers originally, and coming onto a crime scene that just occurred, Hanlee saw the need for something more.
According to Hanlee, a typical Victim Support volunteer will provide emotional support, and explain to the victim what to expect next.
“We are a team of volunteers that go to crime scenes at the request of the police or our local security companies with the aim of assisting the victim through their traumatic experience,” said Hanlee.
Hanlee and her team try to calm the situation, and explain the procedures that are to follow with the police, assist in contacting family members, stop transactions with the banks if cards have been stolen, and arrange for a locksmith or other necessary contractors.
The team generally assist where there’s been an armed robbery, murder, hijacking, rape, suicide, fatal accident, or other incidents for which the police ask for assistance.
“I chose to volunteer for this as it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction to know that I helped a family in their hour of need.
“Women’s Day is a way to celebrate some of the outstanding achievements of women who are making a difference in various walks of life.
“In a world that is still not gender equal, they are often not acknowledged for the massive role they play in our communities,” said Hanlee.
