C H E C K O U T

O U R

B L O G

THETRAUMACENTRE. BLOGSPOT.COM

for Survivors of Violence and Torture

Building a Nation of Survivors

From the desk of the Executive Director

Reverence and Dignity for Every Human Life

Mankind inherently seeks justice and freedom and takes a stand against injustices.This natural pivotal right of mankind results in:

• the protection and promotion of fundamental rights to become institutionalized
• the protection mechanisms for these rights to be ratified and for
• the violated victims to be restored and empowered
• The Trauma Centre is one of those specialized Human Rights organizations that aim to restore dignity and hold every human life in reverence.

The Trauma Centre is mandated to render psycho-social mental health services to Survivors of violence and torture, especially to marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Since inception the Centre has rendered much needed services to beneficiaries that included ex-political prisons from Robben Island, ex combatants, survivors of crime and violence and victims of torture.

The intervention strategies varied from psycho-therapy to counselling to group education and support.This formed the basis of the integrated service delivery strategy.The Trauma Centre also offers specialized training in order to build capacity in the service provision sector.  In this way we aim to contribute towards the prevention of secondary traumatisation in survivors and vicarious traumatisation of direct service delivery frontline workers.

Crime and Violence

Violence touches the lives of people across Cape Town and South Africa, affecting them on many levels, mainly their mental health. This impacts profoundly on their physical well being, their work performance, family life and social life. Our historical narratives describe oppression, slavery, forced removals, gangsterism, and taxi, domestic, criminal and political violence. Current research indicates high levels of unemployment, high school drop out rates, housing, water and energy shortages, and the continued cycles of violence.

According to the most recent research by the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), Cape Town, in Western Cape Province has become the crime capital of the country. It has the highest murder rates, the fastest growing rate of aggravated robberies, a third more business robberies, and the highest rate of residential burglaries.

Every crime violates the Human Rights and Dignity of its victim. Crime and violence are deeply traumatic experiences that destroy the spirit and functioning of human beings. The need for services to address and restore the spirit and normalize the functioning of the affected persons is crucial for survival in society today.

The Trauma Centre for survivors of violence and torture strives to reduce the impact of crime and violence on the lives of people. Intervention takes place on an individual and family level and extensive use is made of our multilayered programmes and collaborative partnerships.

The Trauma Centre is uniquely positioned to offer professional curative and preventative mental health services to victims of crime and violence. There are few organizations in the country where traumatized persons with limited resources can access professional services. Our flexibility in service delivery allows us to meet the continuously changing and challenging needs of our society.

Our much needed and increasing donor support has contributed in maximizing opportunities to heal, build and transform individuals and families. The centre with its rich history, respected reputation and excellent track record, continues to receive increasing support from all levels and major role players and stakeholders.

Our Attitudes and the Human Spirit

 “I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decided whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” (Haim Ginott)

“Violence begets violence”

Let each of us on a daily basis walk the path of truth, justice, reconciliation and restoration.

Vimla Pillay

Executive Director