PARKVIEW POLICE - CONTACT NUMBERS

VICTIM SUPPORT UNIT

Current membership stands at 11.We are not reservists, but are all volunteers who live in or around the Parkview Precinct.All volunteers undergo specific Victim Support training and no previous experience is necessary.

The VSU's main function is trauma intervention.

The unit works within the boundaries of the Parkview Precinct and are called to the scene of a crime by the Parkview police where they assist the victims by calming them, supporting them and dealing with practical matters such as phoning family members, calling a locksmith, stopping bank cards, cell phones and explaining police procedure.

The VSU tries to see victims as soon after an event has occurred as possible, the belief being that an immediate intervention that gives support to the victim may lessen the need for longer term therapy.

The Unit does not offer long term counselling, but refers victims to professionals for further counselling or debriefing.

At a scene the VSU will spend much time talking to victims, getting them to retell the story of their "incident" and helping them identify and be aware of the emotional and physical after effects that trauma can produce.

The types of scenes at which the VSU assists are robberies, hijackings, assaults, domestic violence, rapes, murders, natural deaths, delivery of death messages, drownings, some road accidents, lost children and ID parades.

The unit also assists the police at events such as Jazz on the Lake and in all emergency situations.

Link to the website:www.parkviewvictimsupport.co.za

Tips for personal defence

• Always inform someone of your plans and your destinations.
• Never leave valuables in sight while driving.
• Never walk alone at night or in isolated areas.
• Try not to appear vulnerable, but rather confident.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not wear extravagant jewelery in public.
• Hold your handbag tightly and close to your body.
• Trust your instincts.
• Walk facing the traffic.
• Learn self-defence techniques.