NECESSARY STEPS

1. Call emergency medical services and family doctor whichever is necessary according to priority.

2. Call the police in your area and provide your name and the address where the crisis has occurred

3. It is sometimes also advisable to call a security response company as well especially when the police do not respond in time

4. Call the crisis team if available at your police station. If not available contact the Careline Crisis and Trauma Centre to direct to help. Cell 082 787 6452 or PH: 031 765 1587 or 031 765 1314

Note:

It is advisable to always have the contact details available for the above help sources.

Not all areas have crisis teams as yet operating from the police stations in those areas.

Where areas do have crisis teams operating from the police stations in the respective areas, the police will have the contact details of the crisis workers on duty.

In the event of a neighbor suspecting domestic violence occurring, it is advisable to notify the police thereof. The police have to investigate, unlike in the past. If the response from the police is taking too long and danger is evident, it is advisable to notify a security response company.

ROLES OF THE ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING HELP:

1. Emergency medical services and family doctor

2. They will attend to any medical needs

3. They will provide important back-up evidence if necessary in legal matters

POLICE

1. Ensure all firearms or dangerous weapons are removed

2. Make sure victim is safe and remove the perpetrator if necessary to ensure this safety

3. Take statements

4. In the case of serious injury, the police will remove the victim or victims to the district surgeon or hospital where the district surgeon will carry out an examination. In the case of minor injuries, the victim or victims will be issued with a J 88 to take to the district surgeon the next day. It must be insured that an OB number or a case number appears on this document.

SECURITY RESPONSE COMPANY

1. They often provide added protection when the police are not readily available because of the fact that there are many more armed response companies operating in an area than police.

2. They also have access to their own medical response team.

CRISIS TEAM

1. Defuse the situation (Bring calm and order to the situation)

2. Facilitate the emotional and psychological stabilizing of the victim and their family members

3. Help clean up the mess when necessary

4. Make any necessary phone calls on behalf of the victim or victims` family

5. Ensure the safety of the victim and family members

6. Provide referrals to prevent further abuse, including legal steps if necessary

7. Carry out debriefing (Recall all the events provide a rational solution )

8. Accompany victims to court in cases where this is the only possible solution

9. Refer to further after counseling and support (The Careline Crisis and Trauma Centre facilitates comprehensive after support)