Located behind the Humansdorp Police Station in Du Plessis Street, the non-profit organisation, Humansdorp Victim Support Centre (HVSC), provides a secure and supportive environment for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual offences, abuse, and human trafficking, embracing an open-door policy for those seeking help.
According to Roze Geswint, Project Manager at HVSC, the centre’s team of caregivers, consisting of Geswint and four dedicated professionals, actively engage in educational talks, awareness campaigns, and collaborative events with key stakeholders.
She said that HVSC provides basic trauma counselling to individuals affected by rape, gender-based violence, and drug addiction, while also collaborating with Jbay Trauma Centre in Jeffreys Bay.
Additional services include basic counselling, lay counselling, grief and bereavement support, and developmental trauma care.
Geswint further said that the centre’s staff has received specialised training to distinguish between narcissistic behaviour and abuse, enabling them to provide a tailored approach when supporting rape victims and survivors.
She highlighted that the centre’s services are open to all individuals in need, with no gender restrictions, ensuring men, women, and children receive equal access to support.
While many victims are referred to HVSC through local clinics, hospitals, the Department of Justice, or South African Police Services, she emphasised that the centre maintains an open-door policy, welcoming anyone in need of support, regardless of referral status.
In addition, Geswint said they also offer referral letters to other stakeholders when needed.
“The victims who seek our assistance can rest assured that all the information they share at the centre will be kept confidential,” said Geswint.
The centre’s regular hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00.
However, HVSC also maintains a weekend standby service for urgent support.
She said that HVSC has been heartened by the positive testimonials from survivors of violence, demonstrating the centre’s impactful work.
Geswint said they are always eager to hear about the progress and milestones achieved by those they have supported.
“It is always great when people who we have assisted visit the centre to say thank you. Hearing these words means a lot to us,” said Geswint.
She highlighted that HVSC’s primary challenge is the need for expanded facilities, specifically a larger container or Wendy house, to accommodate the growing demand for their services and ensure comfort for clients.
“Since our current centre is small, people have to wait outside even when it is raining, which has been a huge challenge for us to tackle,” said Geswint.
She said that they would appreciate any donation towards the expansion of the centre.
For more information contact Humansdorp Victim Support Centre at 066 423 3110.
