Offering support and kindness to victims of abuse and trauma is the key focus of volunteers at the Kensington Police Victim Friendly Room, and currently the team is looking for more volunteers to join.
WO David Stemmet said the applicants must have sober habits and be willing to go for Victim Empowerment Programme training.
“The candidate must be willing to work as a team, attend monthly meetings and will be vetted.”
Volunteer Amanda Williams says she became a volunteer about three years ago as she was a victim of domestic violence a few years ago.
“I have a passion for the community, and this is my way of giving back.”
Williams explains that volunteers must have passion for community service because they deal with many challenges.
“As a volunteer we deal with many cases from child abuse and molestation to elderly abuse, sexual harassment, bullying among others. All we do is lend a listening ear to the victims and sometimes we refer them to a social worker.”
According to Williams they do awareness programmes at schools to warn young people against the dangers of gangsterism and joining the wrong crowds.
“Sometimes police will contact us to assist with a matter. In that instance we will only offer support if it’s a victim or a perpetrator.”
Williams encouraged residents to seek help when in need.
“I get calls at any time of the day and I avail myself. Being a volunteer has opened my eyes to the many challenges in the area. Whenever I walk around in the community I always encourage people to come the victim room. You don’t have to suffer in silence, there is help available.”
• To become a volunteer contact Warrant Officer David Stemmet on 082 469 2316.
