Volunteers gather for Victim Empowerment Programme training in Muizenberg

Volunteers who support victims of crime during difficult and often traumatic times will gather for the Victim Empowerment Programme’s first training session of the year.

Volunteers from Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Steenberg and Constantia police stations will meet on Saturday, January 31, at Muizenberg police station. 

The programme is a community-driven initiative that offers emotional support, guidance and referrals to victims, working closely with police and other local stakeholders.

It aims to ensure that victims are treated with dignity, compassion and respect from the moment they seek help.

The programme explains that victims of crime often face trauma, fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of an incident, and many are unsure of their rights or where to turn for further assistance.

Through trained volunteers, the VEP provides emotional support, shares information on victims’ rights and available services, assists with referrals to shelters, social workers, medical services and counselling, and, when necessary, accompanies victims to police stations, court or other support services.

Station commander Lieutenant Colonel Nokwanda Harmans of Muizenberg said the role played by volunteers is deeply valued.

“VEP members are very close to my heart. They restore victims’ dignity and confidence. I highly appreciate all of them,” she said.

The training session forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure volunteers are properly equipped for their role.

One of the volunteers, Jayshree Rajpaul, said her decision to join the programme is deeply personal.

“Gender-based violence is close to my heart. I’m a survivor, and that’s why I take this role so seriously. I received a lot of support during my own trauma, and being a volunteer and a support to others is very important to me,” she said.

Topics include understanding trauma and its impact, ethical conduct and confidentiality, working effectively with SAPS and other service providers, supporting victims in a professional and compassionate manner, and volunteer self-care and resilience.

The VEP continues to welcome community involvement through volunteering, partnerships and referrals, with all services provided under strict confidentiality and with respect for victims’ privacy.