Victim Support Unit - Somerset West

WHAT IS VICTIM SUPPORT

Each South African Police Station has a Victim Support Room. Here you will find trained experienced volunteer workers. These workers can help you with the problems and difficulties you may be facing. The most important is that this is a free and confidential service where you can talk to one of our volunteers in confidence. If needed they will be able to refer you to the relevant organization who will assist you further with your problem.

WHO IS A VICTIM

Anyone can become a victim of crime and people react in different ways.

Victim empowerment:-

·         Is about making it possible for a victim to heal and move on, with the least possible harm or loss

·         Ensuring that the victim is empowered

RIGHTS OF A VICTIM

·         To be treated with respect and dignity

·         To offer information

·         To receive information

·         To legal advice

·         To protection

NORMAL FEELINGS AFTER A TRAUMATIC EVENT

·         Sadness

·         Helplessness

·         Numbness

·         Fear

·         Guilt

·         Anger

·         Physical symptoms:

o    Tiredness

o    Dizziness

o    Palpitations

o    Difficulty breathing

o    Muscular tension and aches

o    Lack of sleep

o    Lack of appetite

o    Or anything that is different from before the incident

·         Mental symptoms:

o    Bad dreams

o    Poor memory

o    Bad concentration

Any change in your behavior from before the incident to after the incident will be normal for a period of about 6 weeks after the incident. However, if this change in behavior continues, the victim needs professional help.

For assistance contact your Victim Support Centre at Somerset West SAPS on 021-850 1393 o/h or 021-850 1325 a/h