PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A new victim-friendly room to accommodate children and gender-based violent crime victims has been unveiled at the Plettenberg Bay police station as part of the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).
The room, refurbished as part of a Plett Community Police Forum project, was officially opened on Thursday 12 September by Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam and SAPS Garden Route district commander, Major-General Norman Modishana.
'Safe and dignified space'
The newly refurbished room offers victims of gender-based violence a "safe and dignified space" when reporting crimes and is designed to ensure comfort and minimise the potential for the repeat victimisation of those affected.
It is equipped with a toilet, toys for children, and comfortable seating. It will also serve as an office where local NGOs can provide counselling sessions for victims.
Kamkam said the project was proof of what could happen "when all of us come together".
'Can make a real difference'
"What has happened here might appear to be a small thing. But it is not. It affects the lives of the most vulnerable in society and can make a real difference in their lives. "Imagine the difference a safe space can make in such a traumatic moment," said Kamkam.
She also thanked the SAPS, the local community police forum, crime prevention association and sponsors for their contributions to the project.
'Loving support'
Modishana said it was a project "for the community by the community" and showed the SAPS could not do without the help of all stakeholders from the community.
The room would prove that victims get satisfaction from the SAPS.
Lt-Col Ashley Michaels, acting station commander, said the transformation of the room turned it into a "magical place where all victims of crime will feel the loving support we (SAPS) offer to them".
She thanked "tannie" Ina Olivier of the PBCPA (Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Associaion), "who went above and beyond her responsibilities to redecorate the room".
Emotional response
Olivier, the initiator and driver behind the project, said in an emotional response that the PBCPA was a community-based organisation that reaches out to all parts of the Plett community "to work for the greater good of Plettenberg Bay".
Visitors inspect the Plett police station victim-friendly room.
"The idea was born a year ago after a victim, a little girl who was raped, had to spend six hours in 'a stark and unfriendly bedroom'.
'Seed planted'
"The little girl touched my heart and I realised a desire to do something about it.
"The seed that was planted on that day is revealed here today," said Olivier.
She said the project would not have happened without the support of a number of community organisations and the hard work of certain individuals.
Olivier said a similar room was planned for the Kwanokuthula SAPS station, "but we are just waiting for the paper work to be completed".
Among the sponsors were Studio design, Dulux, Pinnacle Painters, Nolans Flooring and Blinds, Plett Audio & TV Systems, Robberg Electrical, Metelerkamps, Robbin Craft, Curtain Magic, Bay Decor, Scape Art, Glow Design, Plett Home Maintenance and Formosa Garden Village.
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