PRESENTATION AT A PARLIAMENTARY DISCUSSION RE: FUND FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME AND VIOLENCE

PURPOSE OF THE PRESENTATION To inform the members about the role of DSD in relation to the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).To inform the members about the role of DSD in relation to the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).

BACKGROUND OF VEP VEP adopts a victim-centered approach to crime prevention VEP adopts a victim-centered approach to crime prevention Emanated from the National Crime Prevention Strategy Emanated from the National Crime Prevention Strategy Is making the criminal justice process more victim- friendly Is making the criminal justice process more victim- friendly Ensures that the criminal justice system is responsive to the needs of all victims of crime. Ensures that the criminal justice system is responsive to the needs of all victims of crime.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR VEP DSD is the lead department & has constituted DSD is the lead department & has constituted the National Interdepartmental, Intersectoral the National Interdepartmental, Intersectoral VE Management team VE Management team Each province has a Victim Empowerment Each province has a Victim Empowerment forum which is also coordinated and lead by forum which is also coordinated and lead by DSD. DSD.

Goal Of VEP: To inform, guide & facilitate the provision of co- ordinated integrated multi-disciplinary services to victims of crime and violence in order to address their needs efficiently & effectivelyTo inform, guide & facilitate the provision of co- ordinated integrated multi-disciplinary services to victims of crime and violence in order to address their needs efficiently & effectively PURPOSE OF VEP

IMPACT OF VICTIMISATION Aggravated by inadequacy of services & LtdAggravated by inadequacy of services & Ltd access to services Physical injuries – Disability & deathPhysical injuries – Disability & death Emotional trauma – Post Traumatic StressEmotional trauma – Post Traumatic StressDisorder PovertyPoverty Negative impact on economyNegative impact on economy Community destabilizationCommunity destabilization

PHILOSOPHY OF VEP The philosophy underlying the VE is that: Victims should be adequately recognized and treated with respect for their dignity to prevent re-victimisation. Victims are entitled to access to the mechanisms of justice and prompt redress for the harm and loss suffered. They are also entitled to receive adequate specialized assistance in dealing with emotional trauma and other problems caused by the impact of victimisation.

SERVICES TO MEET NEEDS OF VICTIMS 1.One-Stop Crisis Centers: Diverse & immediate needs of victims are attended to by a Multi- disciplinary team at an identified facility. 2.Shelters for Victims of domestic violence: Temporal accommodation & security for victims who have no alternative accommodation. 3.Trauma Counseling services within these facilities 4. The rest of services are out lined in the next slide.

NEEDS OF VICTIMS & RESPONSIBLE DEPTS General & Forensic Health Services : Health Care Professionals General & Forensic Health Services : Health Care Professionals Trauma Counseling; Shelters & One Stop Crisis Centers: Social Trauma Counseling; Shelters & One Stop Crisis Centers: Social Workers Workers Laying a charge & investigation, arrest: SAPS Laying a charge & investigation, arrest: SAPS Legal representation, prosecution & conviction + compensation: Legal representation, prosecution & conviction + compensation: Dept. of Justice & Constitutional Development Dept. of Justice & Constitutional Development Reintegration & rehabilitation: Correctional Services Reintegration & rehabilitation: Correctional Services Violence free schools: Education Violence free schools: Education Support, care, advice, advocacy and referrals: Relevant NGOs Support, care, advice, advocacy and referrals: Relevant NGOs

NEEDS & RESPONSIBILITIES Health: care & evidence SAPS: information, arrest, investigation, etc Welfare: care & protection Justice: prosecution & conviction VICTIM EDUCATION: Prevention of violence in schools NGOs: Support, care, advice & referrals Local Authority: Emergency Services Correctional Services: reintegration & rehabilitation

RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that members take note of the current status of the Victim Empowerment Programme as a strategic approach to address the diverse needs of victims of violence.