Rotary Club of Wynberg revitalises victim support room at Kirstenhof Police Station

The Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) room at Kirstenhof police station, upgraded byThe Rotary Club of Wynberg, was unveiled at the beginning of the month.

Community services director at the Rotary Club of Wynberg, Stacy Edwards, said that the club members repainted the room and also installed a shelf where a bedside lamp was placed. “This allows anyone using the room as an overnight safe space to leave a light on without having to endure the glare of the harsh fluorescent overhead light,” she says.

Ms Edwards said that the VEP room had an en-suite bathroom, which was badly affected by damp, especially during the wet winter months. “The club paid for both the exterior and interior walls of the bathroom to be repaired and dampproofed. It was noted that the room itself would benefit from a fresh coat of paint and an upgrade in colour to provide a more relaxing, warm, and welcoming space for those making use of the facilities,” she said. 

Since last year, the Rotary Club of Wynberg has been supporting the Kirstenhof police station’s VEP room, which supports victims of crime and violence, including home invasions, assaults, and gender-based violence (GBV). “The programme operates from a victim support facility at the Kirstenhof Police Station, and offers support to victims and their families dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident,” she said. The VEP is entirely volunteer-run and donation-supported.

Ms Edwards said that the VEP room’s en-suite bathroom will also receive a further makeover, including a fresh coat of paint and new shower curtains in the coming weeks.

Kirstenhof police's communications officer, Warrant Officer Deidre Solomon, said that they would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Wynberg Rotary Club for their generous donation and unwavering support towards the victim comfort room. "Your contribution plays a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment for victims of crime during some of the most difficult moments of their lives," she said. 

The Rotary Club of Wynberg meets every Thursday at the Western Province Cricket Club in Ave de Mist, Rondebosch, at 6.30pm.  For more information on The Rotary Club of Wynberg, email admin@wynbergrotary.org.za

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