THE Brighton Beach Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum (SCPF) aims to strengthen its commitment to supporting victims of crime and gender-based violence (GBV) through a trauma debriefing and victim support training programme.

The training programme was conducted at the Trinity Family Church on September 26 and 27.

About 25 members from the trauma debriefers and CPF youth desk structures participated in the two-day training programme.

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The programme equips them with practical knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, informed and appropriate support to members of the community who have experienced trauma, crime, violence or other crisis situations.

The training focused on key areas including:

• Understanding trauma and its impact on victims, families and communities.
• Trauma-informed support, with an emphasis on responding to victims in a sensitive and respectful manner.
• Listening and communication skills to assist victims in expressing their experiences safely.
• Trauma debriefing skills and appropriate approaches to supporting individuals following traumatic incidents.
• Crisis intervention and management.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality, dignity and empathy when assisting victims and recognising when victims require specialist professional intervention and referral.

Sidney Govindsamy said, “The Brighton Beach SCPF believes that investing in trained community volunteers creates an important additional layer of support for victims and contributes towards building a safer, more caring and resilient community.”

The newly strengthened team will work alongside existing community and policing structures to support victims accessing the victim friendly room and GBV desk at Brighton Beach police station.

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Govindsamy said, “These services and structures are intended to provide victims with a safe and supportive environment where they can be heard, assisted and guided towards the appropriate services and professional support. Gender-based violence and other forms of violence and crime have a profound impact not only on victims but also on families and the wider community.”

The Brighton Beach SCPF therefore encourages residents not to suffer in silence and to make use of the available support structures when assistance is needed.

Community members are encouraged to report incidents of GBV and crime and seek assistance through the victim friendly room and GBV desk at Brighton Beach police station.

“The SCPF also recognises that effective crime prevention requires the active participation of the community. By developing the skills of volunteers, particularly through trauma-informed approaches, the forum is working towards ensuring that those who come forward for help are treated with compassion, dignity, respect and understanding,” said Govindsamy.

He said the involvement of the CPF youth desk is particularly important.

“By equipping young community members with appropriate communication, listening and support skills, the programme contributes towards developing a generation of community leaders who understand the impact of violence and the importance of supporting vulnerable members of society,” Govindsamy added.

The Brighton Beach SCPF welcomes community members who want to contribute to the trauma debriefing and CPF youth desk structures.

Anyone interested in joining or learning more about these community support initiatives is encouraged to contact Sidney Govindsamy 071 859 6616, Malcolm Nair on 071 724 9385 or Priya Naidoo on 073 980 8727.

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