Being a calm voice in a time of crisis

Pukekohe woman Chris Cowell is one of hundreds of Kiwis who give up their own time to help people suffering in their communities through Victim Support.

Victim Support volunteers such as Cowell help more than 30,000 people each year through traumatic situations including, but not limited to, homicide, fatal crashes, suicides, domestic and sexual violence and abuse and witnessing accidents.

So why would someone want to do this work? Why would they want to deal with someone else’s tragedy when they could be spending their time with their own family, doing their own hobbies or pastimes?

For Cowell, the answer to that is simple.

“I can really help people — even if it’s one little thing I do for them, I’ve made a difference,” she said.

“It’s incredible that people actually let a complete stranger in at the most vulnerable time of their lives to help them.

“I can’t take away what’s happened, but I can give them practical help and advice; make it easier for them.”

Cowell has been a volunteer for Victim Support for nine years and got involved after her daughter became a victim of crime.

“My daughter was car-jacked and at that time I became aware of Victim Support,” she explained.

“I wanted to volunteer but I work, I’m a solo parent and I have a special needs son, so I had to get the timing right.

“It was about four years later I saw an ad in the local paper asking for volunteers, and the rest is history.”

Cowell hadn’t heard of Victim Support before her family were thrust into the middle of a crime.

“Most people probably don’t homicide situations and can be called in to help even when she is not rostered on.

“I’ve seen some quite horrific things,” she said.

“I just make sure people get what they need to help them through the process.”

For her efforts, Cowell has was awarded a Kiwibank Local Hero medal and was previously recognised within Victim Support for her outstanding contribution with the Lisa Johnson Award, which goes to one exceptional volunteer each year.

Cowell said her work was extremely rewarding and she hoped that by sharing her story, other people would volunteer for Victim Support, or make a donation.

“You get back out what you put into life, I’m a strong believer in that,” she said.

“I don’t think a lot of people know about Victim Support until they have some direct contact with it — and why should they know about it until then?

“But for us, it would be better if we had a bigger profile, more awareness, then we could encourage more people to volunteer.”

Cowell also urged Kiwis to support the organisation financially.

“It’s a big job . . . It would be great if we could get some more resources, then we could help more people more effectively.

“If people want to help, that would be great, if people want to join, that would be fantastic.”