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At a time when violent crimes never seem to leave
media headlines and debates rage on how to contain
it, LifeLine Southern Africa believes it is important
to focus on assisting the victims of such crime.
Crime is often caused by powerlessness, loss of
control and inability to cope. It causes helplessness
and hopelessness in its victims, perpetuating
a seemingly endless cycle of emotional pain and
distress.
LifeLine Southern Africa’s distress and trauma
interventions for these victims are aimed at helping
people regain control over their lives, make sense
of the effects of the distressing situation/trauma
and return to effectively managing the activities
of daily living.
A trauma is a terrifying incident beyond the
normal range of human experience that may have
threatened one’s life or the life of a significant
other, or which one has witnessed. It often involves
danger, or the perception of danger, and can include
floods, fires, armed robbery, hijackings etc.
The traumatic experience of a direct victim may
also adversely affect many others with whom the
victim may have contact. Indirect victims could
include witnesses; families and relatives whose
loved ones have been victimised or murdered; people
in helping professions and journalists.
LifeLine Southern Africa provides education,
emotional support and counselling to numerous
people who have been traumatised. This includes
a workplace intervention, “LifeLine Southern Africa’s
National Trauma Project”, aimed at assisting employees,
who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic
event. It provides trauma containment (support
through the initial shock) and trauma counselling
(facilitating the process of healing and adjustment).
LifeLine Southern Africa’s 19 Community Centres,
based throughout South Africa, Botswana and Namibia,
also provide trauma counselling and containment
services to individuals, families, groups and
communities.
If you, or someone you
know, is trying to cope with a trauma, contact
your local LifeLine Centre on 021 461 1111
Alternatively, contact the National Counselling
Line on 0861-322-322. These services are anonymous,
confidential and free, for all those in need.
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