Empowering community volunteers: Training to support crime victims
Victim support volunteers from Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Steenberg and Claremont during a training session held at Muizenberg SAPS to strengthen services for victims of crime.
Image: Supplied
Volunteers who support victims of crime came together in Muizenberg at the weekend for a day of training aimed at strengthening local support services.
“The training was highly informative and contributed meaningfully to strengthening victim support services in the area,” said victim empowerment trainer David Hendricks.
The session took place on Saturday, January 31, at the Muizenberg police conference room from 9am to 3pm. Volunteers from Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Steenberg and Claremont police stations attended.
The programme relies on trained community volunteers to offer emotional support, practical guidance and referrals to people who have experienced crime or trauma.
Volunteers help victims understand their rights and connect them with services such as counselling, medical care, shelters and social workers. They may also accompany victims to police stations, court or other support services when needed.
Organisers thanked the Muizenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) for providing water and finger lunch for the day, a gesture that was appreciated by all who attended.