Fireside Chats
We talk to people in South Africa who have a special story to tell. These personal stories create a greater understanding and empathy about the lives of people who live at the southern tip of Africa.
Fireside Chats
But what about the victims of crime? The story of a "victim support volunteer".
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Michele Alexander
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Episode 3
The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 mandated that all South African police stations should have a "victim support room".
These rooms are safe spaces where the victims of domestic abuse or other crimes, are given emotional and confidential support in the traumatic time period shortly after a crime. The rooms are operated by trained volunteers who come from the community. In theory it is a laudable idea but not all police stations comply and sadly there is a lack of community volunteers.
But Hettie Glass is a "victim support volunteer" who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.