The Claremont police station has unveiled upgrades to a room that offers support to victims of crime.
At the unveiling, on Wednesday, were representatives from the Botha Foundation, the Christian Revival Church, the East Claremont Congregational Church and the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, which had all made contributions to the room.
Also present were representatives from the provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, which had donated a portable wheelchair ramp to the station.
“We are proud to say that when victims are brought to the victim-friendly room, they are treated with dignity and respect,” said Warrant Officer Lutchmee Chetty, the station’s victim-empowerment-programme coordinator.
The Botha Foundation, which is the charity arm of the Encounter Church in Stikland, spent R23 000 on improvements including painting, roof repairs and the addition of toilets and furniture, according to Daena Petersen, the foundation’s managerial head.
“It is fulfilling to help the police with this initiative as it will have a lasting impact, and it will make a permanent community change,” she said.
The Christian Revival Church delivered 50 care packs for the room while the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and the East Claremont Congregational Church gave toys.
Referring to the wheelchair ramp, Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said: “This will encourage all people with disabilities to come to the police station. It will be more accessible for them and will make them feel more comfortable to get into this area.”
Claremont police chief Colonel Maree Louw thanked everyone for their support.
She said the ramp was a needed because a retired police officer who visited the station had to get two staff members to carry the chair up the steps.
The victim-support room was opened in 2002 and was always busy, she said.
“We always want our victims to feel at ease and calm in this room.”
