Help for rape, abuse victims

It was a very wellattended event at the Bean and Olive on Women’s Day last Thursday, when local residents gathered to hear about the scourge of violence against women and children.

The talk, entitled “Give a little love back” was in aid of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit of the SAPS, who look after the Port Alfred Cluster, from Alexandria to Hamburg and inland to Bathurst.

Constable Sandra Catherine and Colonel Lizette Zeelie gave candid accounts of the dedicated work done by this unit and spoke of the domestic violence, rape and child-related crimes they come across in their daily work, and their roles as protectors in the community.

The general public is often unaware of much of the work that these women in blue do.

They highlighted how the community could get involved and assist by donating toiletry items, clothing, warm blankets, underwear and so forth.

After their talk, they were thanked for the incredible role they play in the community.

It was highlighted that rape survivors or abused children were often faced with not having anywhere to go, nor having any clothing after being attacked, as these needed to be sent for forensic tests.

The unit collects and makes up “care packs” consisting of basic toiletries so that survivors can have a shower and receive a change of clothing.

The Port Alfred police station has a small Wendy house, equipped with a bathroom, able to accommodate two people for an overnight stay, before they are moved to a place of safety.

The luncheon was held to collect funds to assist with care packs for survivors, and an amount of R1,060 was raised on the day.

The Bean and Olive will have a collection point for the month of August, at which people can donate any items.

For more information, or if you are a victim of abuse, please contact Colonel Zeelie on 046-604-2006 or 082-301-9720.

CREATING AWARENESS: The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit held a meeting at the Bean and Olive last Thursday to inform members of the community on the high incidence of rape and abuse and how it affects victims, their families and friends. Those present were also given information on what to do in such a situation. Port Alfred station commander Colonel Lizette Zeelie, left, and Constable Sandra Catherine, the main speakers on the day, spoke about the work of the Port Alfred Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Port Alfred