- The All-Ability
Victim Support Unit officially opened offering critical support to victims
of gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma. - The
renovation, funded by Iris House Children’s Hospice, includes a wheelchair
ramp, disability-friendly bathrooms, a play area, and new space and
furniture to ensure a safer, more inclusive environment. - Local
authorities, including Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister Anroux
Marais, attended the opening, highlighting the importance of accessible
facilities in helping victims of crime.
The newly revamped, disabled friendly trauma centre officially opened at the Woodstock Police Station on Friday 7 March.
The event was attended by Premier Alan Winde and Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety.
The All Ability Victim Support Unit, provides services to victims of trauma and gender-based violence (GBV).
The renovation was made possible through a generous donation from Iris House Children’s Hospice, in partnership with the Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Sue van der Linde, the founder of the Iris House, said they work with the GBVF Response Fund, an organisation that aims to address GBV and femicide in local communities.
Van der Linde said they aim to equip police stations with disability friendly units. “Part of our mandate is to train people on how to communicate with people with disabilities. We know that people with disabilities are the most vulnerable. We know that GBV happens daily, so we want to do our bit.
“We find that people with disabilities won’t report a crime because when they get to the police station that is their first barrier. Some stations do not even have ramps for wheelchairs. We have to break down those barriers. We want more people to report crime because we want to see prosecutions.”
Van der Linde explained that the facility has been fitted with a disability-friendly bathroom, added a wheelchair ramp to the entrance and created more space inside and added new furniture. “There is also a play area for children.”
Addressing the gathering Marais said: “It is wonderful if there is a secure and safe area where GBV survivors feel free to voice their situation. It looks wonderful. I want to thank everyone involved; without the community we cannot do anything.
“I went to one police station and 60% of violent crimes were GBV related. It is wonderful to have a facility like this, but we should get rid of GBV.”
Gary Adams, CPF public relations officer, said CPF members and police officers went for a trauma training course.
“Trauma counselling will be provided here.”
Nadia Willoughby, resident and trauma counsellor, said the training provided them with crucial skills.
“The training was an eye opener. You are so used to meeting with abled persons. You are not used to dealing with a person who is blind, hearing-impaired, or autistic, so this training was important to add value to what you already know. Now we are equipped to meet with people from all walks of life and face with all kinds of challenges.”
Woodstock station commander Col Delven Matroos said the facility is a haven for crime victims. “Their statements can be taken in private and with dignity. I want the perpetrator of GBV to be arrested immediately because we don’t want that imminent danger of the victim returning home, and the perpetrator is still there.”
The officer encouraged victims to come forward.
Winde expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “When we care for the most vulnerable in our community, it is critical that we have a place like this. In so many of our police stations, these facilities have fallen into disrepair or don’t exist.”
For now, it will be open five days per week from 08:00 until 17:00.
