2009 HIGHLIGHTS: Part II

Further achievements of the Trauma Centre in 2009 included a torture awareness raising programme during the 16 days of Activism and capacity building of individuals and organisations.Miliswa Sobukwe-Whyte, Carmen Low-Shang & Fiona from the Political Violence Program

The Children and Violence programme commemorated 16 days of activism by hosting dramas at 5 primary schools in the Western Cape. The objective of the dramas was to advocate against violence towards women and children as well as to educate children, teachers and parents about their rights and how to access help.

COMMEMORATION STATION
On the 26th of June the Trauma Centre commemorated the UN International day in support of torture survivors at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Having a candle vigil and a screening of the documentary “My Brothers Keeper” assisted in raising awareness and allowed the Trauma Centre to publicly advocate for those who survived gross human rights violations, more specifically torture. The venue for this day could not have been more ideal as being at the Nelson Mandela Gateway allowed many a chance to reflect on and acknowledge those who fought for the liberation of our country from the Apartheid system. Walking over the bridge towards the gateway filled the Trauma Centre staff with so much joy, appreciation and pride with regard to how far our country has come.

CAPACITY BUILDING OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS

On a very positive note, the Trauma Centre team has expanded, three new staff members have been appointed, a warm welcome to Mrs Nomvuyo Mabusela – co-ordinator of the Political Violence programme, Mrs Asma Achmat-coordinator the Children and Violence Programme and Miss Melvina Carelse – counselling psychologist in the Children and Violence Programme.

From September through to December all Trauma Centre staff participated in the Victim Empowerment Programme by training Victim Support Room volunteers who work in the Police Stations of the Western Cape. The training was informative not only for the volunteers who attended but also for the staff who facilitated. Topics covered were: knowing the victim, policy and procedure, ethics, the role of the volunteer, trauma, volunteer and victim rights as well as self care. Feedback was positive and the volunteers reported feeling more confident in returning to the victim support room and implementing everything they learnt.

“Years end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us” Hal Borland

In the light of these wise words may the Trauma Centre with all its wisdom, experience and commitment towards prevention, continue to accomplish many more glorious triumphs.

Read More or Comment

Join a Debate About the "Shoot to Kill" Slogan

The Director of the Trauma Centre, Vimla Pillay, put out the following press statement on the 15th October about her concerns regarding the "Shoot to Kill" slogan. We would like people to read it and join a discussion on the blog about whether you agree or disagree, or any other comment you would like to make (bearing in mind that hate speech etc. will not pass the moderator). If you don't have a gmail account, when you make a comment, put your name in the box if you want to, and choose 'Anonymous' to send. We would like to hear from all of you - this is an issue that affects every single one of us. If you have been a victim or survivor of criminal violence, we would especially appreciate your comments.



The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture strongly condemns the “Shoot to Kill” slogan. We consider this to be a grossly irresponsible slogan, as it permits Carte Blanche shooting without forcing one to stop, think and restore rational thought under any threatening circumstances.

We also strongly condemn the killing of police officers, as they are appointed as the protectors of the citizens of the country however, this does not dismiss the need for a responsible approach. The need for a humane, logical and strategic approach to address crime and violence is urgent and this is what must be addressed and planned for as a matter of priority. Making irresponsible statements like the “Shoot to Kill” slogan aggravates and escalates the culture of crime and violence.

Mankind inherently seeks justice and freedom and should always take a stand against injustices and the violation of human rights. We as a nation need to help our citizens to hold human life and human dignity in absolute reverence. Violence begets violence we cannot use violent methods to reduce and condemn violence, this sadly results in innocent lives being lost and it intensifies anger and frustration resulting in a sense of helplessness and subsequently to greater desperation. This in turn leads to desperate often irrational and irresponsible means to finding appropriate solutions. All people need to learn how, to momentarily calm down and this simple skill may prevent a number of unnecessary deaths of innocent people. It is imperative that SAPS officials be trained at a trainee level to exercise judgement in action, even in situations that require split second decision making.

The constitution of South Africa and the Bill of Rights respects human rights and should be the fundamental principle underlying all the service provided by the country. Capital punishment was abolished and it is ironic that a decade later, we hear a statement like “Shoot to Kill”. By addressing the problem of crime and violence in South Africa, we need to simultaneously teach each citizen including perpetrators, officials of law and order, and all others, that we respect every individual’s right to life. Victims become perpetrators and this perpetuates the cycles of violence, if we do not stop and evaluate the current crisis and the way forward we will continue to be the crime capital of the world.

A country like South Africa was transformed from a violent and oppressive regime through dialogue, negotiations and patience. Crime and violence too can be appropriately and effectively addressed if there is greater investment in finding the best strategic and well thought out approach. Let us all take responsibility to do this together.

Read More or Comment

STOP PRESS! Social Unrest in De Doorns

Over the weekend, trouble began to brew in the agricultural area of De Doorns between locals and (mostly) Zimbabwean nationals. Yesterday about 1000 -2000 people boarded trucks and police vehicles and went to stay temporarily in tents. A team from the Trauma Centre was asked to come and assess the situation with regard to mental health requirements. They went this morning; so watch this space and we will try to keep you updated. We get bulletins from various role players.

Read More or Comment

Interns Reflect on their Experience

Eugene Booysen: (B. Psych. UWC)
The first month was challenging due to having to adapt from a University environment to one of work. Personally this process was educational and contributed to my personal growth. A significant object at the TC for me, was the tree in the middle of the courtyard. Just as the tree is going through seasonal changes, so did I; gradually achieving my goals and finding my true self.

In conclusion, my journey at the Trauma Centre awakened my potential and abilities. Carl Jung highlighted that one’s vision would only become clear when one looks within oneself. Those who look outside, dream; but those who look within, awaken.


Trevor Tshabalala (Final year B. Psych at UWC – intern for 3 months):
Working at the TC has been a very insight-gaining experience in counselling. You are never just treating the trauma – trauma is almost like a mask for other unresolved issues which enables the person to seek help.
It has also broadened my scope of knowledge about trauma and how it is related to other mental disorders like depression and anxiety, from which so many people in our communities suffer, but are left untreated. It has been an amazing journey so far, working with a group of committed, supportive and knowledgeable trauma counsellors.

Luleka Soko (Qualified nurse and final year B. Psych at UWC)

I personally gained my confidence at the Trauma Centre because I started to practise all the theory that I gained from University. The correlation between learning and practice became real e.g. learning about xenophobia and then experiencing how the Trauma Centre responds to foreigners. The historical background of the organisation is in itself, indicative of unity amongst our communities. The different programs attempt to build up new, psychologically healthy communities. In addition, the vision of bringing free services closer to people shows that Trauma Centre staff care. I also think that trauma work is the key - for people who have suffered from other mental illnesses, traumatic events often trigger the underlying distress e.g. depression.

Read More or Comment

Bruises - some welcome; others painful!

On a weekend in early October, the Political Violence Team facilitated a camp for the offspring of anti-apartheid activists, torture survivors and ex-combatants i.e. the second generation.
This is what one of the facilitators, Carmen Low-Shang wrote on her return. This work is both difficult and rewarding:
We had a wonderful camp with participants making emotional connections all over the place...
So our process this weekend still has me speechless...
And at the same time, I want to tell you all that it really was not easy!!!


For some reason, or maybe the fact that we had 30 teenagers on our hands, it was absolute CHAOS!!! I suppose that's normal to some extent. Being aware that I may be writing on behalf of the others, the weekend really brought some serious challenges, and I think all facilitators (Nicole, Miliswa, Trevor, Fiona and myself) were really pushed and in some ways we have taken an (emotional) and physical bruising!!! (Two of the facilitators were ill the next day and unable to come into work!) We were confronted with resistance of the most stubborn kind, fighting, lying, stealing, disrespecting!!! And we also had 200+ steps climbing down and back up the mountain just to enjoy the beach!!! OUCH!!!
Our lives have all been changed forever... and best of all... We made it through - survived, together!
Carmen went on to explain why she feels the camp changed her life:

My life's work is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. A particular moment at the camp where I and other facilitators felt very touched, was the way in which one participant (who has been through the camp process for the 4th time!) was able to release emotion – she was crying - but it was a "peaceful" and calm release which made us feel that yes, it was a powerful moment in her life. Yet at the same time she seemed very comfortable to release her emotions in our presence. I'll just add that this particular participant gave us "hell" on the first camp. She had a resistance to engaging with us of the worst kind. We were unable to break through up until now. It is seeing the change and knowing that you have touched someone's life in a way... that they are then able to forgive their parents and we are able to bridge the gap between the two generations...

Read More or Comment

Farewell to Terry Dowdall

Prof. Leslie London, Dr Terry Dowdall and Dr Shuaib Manjra

On October 1st, at a small AGM, the Trauma Centre, in bidding farewell to Terry Dowdall, acknowledged the enormous contribution that he made to the Trauma Centre; first of all, by starting it together with Leslie London, and then serving on its board for 17 years. Dr Dowdall spoke poignantly of the journey he had made as a white South African and a psychologist when he was first asked to provide services to ex-detainees who had experienced torture during the 70's, leading him eventually to setting up the Trauma Centre and serving on its Board.

More to follow......

Read More or Comment

Training for Trauma Rooms

Trauma Centre Staff together with practitioners from Rape Crisis and Nicro recently developed a standardised basic training for new Victim Support Volunteers who work in Trauma Rooms at police stations across the Western Cape. This training is now being rolled out sponsored by Business Against Crime and the Department of Community Safety. So far the Trauma Centre has completed two of these 3-day trainings for volunteers coming from different police stations. These volunteers are mostly women with families and busy lives and yet they give up evenings and weekends to be in the frontline of support for victim/survivors.
Miriam Fredericks, who did the second training, wrote: The participants were amazing - people with such compassion and so dedicated. I was humbled by their strength and honoured to be in their presence.


Read More or Comment