Appeal to help Fisantekraal, Durbanville trauma rooms

A victim-support group is seeking donations for the Fisantekraal trauma and sponsorship to replace the dilapidated Durbanville trauma room.

Although the Fisantekraal trauma room benefited from sponsors funding new floors and plumbing last year, there is still an ongoing need for supplies, according to Danielle Cronje, a coordinator with the Durbanville Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).

The trauma room is a place where victims of crime can receive counselling and support.

“The items we are requesting are to make the room more comfortable for our clients and volunteers. These items include: a kettle, a fan, a heater, flashlights for the volunteers, milk formula, nappies, baby bottles, baby clothes and a two-seater couch. Since the revamp, there has been no vandalism or break-ins since last year,” Ms Cronje said.

The Durbanville trauma room is in dire need of maintenance, according to the head of the Durbanville VEP, Hennie Odendaal. (Trauma rooms need maintenance, says victim support group,“ Northern News July 2022).

Ms Cronje said the building needed to be replaced completely. “We’ll require a new structure, electrical work, plumbing and flooring,” she said.

Durbanville police spokesman Captain Marchell Rhode said: “We are looking for sponsors to help build a new trauma room.”

The VEP is also appealing for donations of deodorant, soap and other sanitary products, which are given to victims of sexual assault.

Contact Danielle Cronje at email vep247365@gmail.com for more information.