Cape Town - In marking Women's Month, the Strandfontein Community Police Forum (CPF) is offering workshops to empower community members involved in the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), free of charge.
Strandfontein CPF chairperson Sandy Schuter said she felt that it would be beneficial for the Strandfontein VEP, who deal directly with victims of crime, including gender-based violence (GBV), to continuously enhance their skills through education.
“The topics covered include GBV, sexual offences and bullying,” she said.
VEP volunteer Sharon Engelbrecht said the workshop will be conducted by students from Cornerstone Institute.
“Research and SWOT analysis helped me to lean towards doing my field work hours within a community that I understand and within a setting that is eager to receive information, which often allows people in the community to create a stance, individually or collectively.
“The workshop will speak to the (leaders) of the community, enhancing and equipping them with knowledge on theory and practical understanding, leaving the space with a collective voice, as well as supporting and empowering them to speak with authority when interacting with the wider community,” Engelbrecht said.
Faizel Flowers has previously benefited from several training sessions that focus on GBV and sexual assault.
“It’s been a great benefit to me and to the volunteer counsellors that attended. It has improved on the services we provide as victim support counsellors. More training and education is vital in the community work we do. Our aim is to provide as much information and support to victims of crime, especially violence against women and children.”
There are plans to host more workshops later this year.
Strandfontein SAPS and Strandfontein CPF have established a dedicated GBV desk at the station.
On the weekend of the 20th and 27th they will be hosting an awareness drive within the community about the free services available to victims.