Volunteers trained

Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) workshop training was presented by LieutCol Paulse from Wednesday, 3 July until Friday, 5 July at the ATKV in Hartenbos.

This involved volunteers from all four police stations in the Da Gamaskop Police cluster: Mossel Bay, Great Brak River, Da Gamaskop and KwaNonqaba.

Volunteers play a vital role as they are the first point of contact for victims of violence and abuse after reporting to police stations. They deal with victims and provide various services to them before the victims go on to see social workers.

The volunteers also assist these victims with advice and information on police procedures and explain their choices to them.

They play an important role in preventing secondary traumatisation for victims. "We say thank you to donors for all the very generous sponsorships we received, which include the ATKV, which provided its facility for free as well as Delfino's, the Mossel Bay CPF and the Police Sports Club."

This event was a joint effort of the Mossel Bay Community Policing Forum and the Mossel Bay Police Station. "It is important to note that the VEP volunteers perform a vital role in the community," a spokesperson said.

The volunteers with Lieut-Col Paulse, Sgt James (Mossel Bay) and Sgt Botha (Great Brak). The volunteers gave of their time to attend training and the workshop. The information and training are invaluable and the volunteers are eager to proceed into the community to provide assistance.