Working from an old dilapidated wendy house where Steenberg police’s Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) support room was housed was a difficult task for volunteers for many years.
The structure, which was supposed to be a dedicated room to provide a space for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and sexual offences, was falling apart and did quite the opposite of its empowerment mandate.
This week, however, the station unveiled a new dedicated VEP building at the station, which will provide a safe space for victims of violence to make their statements in private and within a non-threatening environment.
Steenberg police’s Colonel Barbara Toua said the wendy house was in a state, falling apart and had holes in the flooring.
The station had been planning to rebuild the VEP room for a couple of years. They applied for funding, which was approved, but there were construction contractual delays.
Earlier this year, work finally began on the much needed facility.
While rebuilding, the GBV desk volunteers had to go out to victims which wasn’t ideal but those who need the service now have a safe and comfortable place to offer victim friendly services.
“It was extremely important for us to have a functioning VEP room because domestic violence, GBV and sexual assault cases are still a huge issue and very prevalent,” said Colonel Toua.
She said many cases go unreported and many victims are uncomfortable making statements at the front desk at the police station.
They will hopefully feel much more at ease to do so in the safe space and will encourage more victims to come forward.
Victims can also receive counselling at the VEP room and those who cannot return home are then referred to a safe house.
GBV desk volunteer and councillor Moriedah Dien, who had been with the victim support programme for almost 30 years, said the new improved VEP room will definitely have a positive impact on those they help.
“The new space is really victim-friendly. In previous times we would have mothers come with their babies and we didn’t have the proper resources to clean or even take care of the baby. Now we have a cleaning station, a play area and a separate counselling area. It is 100% better and will definitely help us with this very important work,” said Ms Dien.
Steenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) chair Gavin Walbrugh said the VEP room is more than just a physical space – it symbolises hope, resilience, and the promise of compassionate care.
“It is designed to offer comfort and support to those who have experienced trauma, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to begin their journey towards healing.”
He thanked everyone who made the project possible including the Tokai Lion’s Club, Steenberg SAPS and individuals who contributed.
Mark Solomons, from the Retreat Community Health Forum, said it was a team effort and many hands made the project possible.
“All sectors have a responsibility to each other because we work as a unit. If we need SAPS they assist us and if they need our help we assist them for the bigger benefit of the community.
“This is a very important little space and we needed to make it comfortable for people to be able to talk and for children to feel comfortable.”
