Domestic and sexual violence is still rife within the Roodepoort policing precinct despite increased awareness and education on the subject at all levels of society.

This, according to Roodepoort Victim Support and Social Crime co-ordinator Warrant Officer Juliet Mogale.

“We put a lot of effort and resources into creating awareness around domestic violence and sexual assault within our local communities, but the problem is that it is so deeply ingrained within society that it is an uphill battle.”

Mogale co-ordinates the team that runs the support centre at the Roodepoort Police Station.

“The centre is a safe space within the police station where victims of domestic and sexual violence get the help they need,” she says.

“We cannot expect these victims to report their cases and give statements in the normal client service centre. Therefore, we have this safe space, manned by professional, highly trained members who assist victims with dignity and understanding.”

In the victim support centre, victims can give their statements in comfortable and warm surroundings away from the eyes of the general public.

Here, the Roodepoort Family Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit is dispatched to escort them to the hospital for the necessary testing and treatment, and they are referred to a social worker who helps them deal effectively with the trauma of their experience.

Victim support worker Risana Chauke adds that some of the cases they deal with are shocking.

“I rely heavily on my faith to help me deal with the horror of some of these incidents,” he says.

Social auxiliary worker Timothy Zulu adds that regular debriefings and counselling also help the victim support centre staff.

The victim support centre also sports a child-friendly room where child victims are put at ease after their traumatic experiences.

The sheer number of cases dealt with weekly is effectively managed through the police’s Green Door initiative, which offers safe havens whiting communities where victims receive temporary shelter, emotional support and counselling.

“The Green Doors help us a lot, especially after hours,” says Mogale.

The Roodepoort Victim Support Centre is open daily from 07:00 to 15:00.