Social Work Model for Support to Persons Affected by Crime in the North-West Province of South Africa

• NCJ Number: 221552
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 21-31
• Author(s): M. M. Steyn; H. Strydom
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded on February 13, 2008.

Annotation

This article focuses on the development of a support model for persons affected by crime in rural areas, specifically the North-West Province of South Africa.

Abstract

South Africa is characterized by high levels of criminal activity and is bound to the care of persons affected by crime in accordance with the Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South Africa. Therefore, the challenge posed in this regard is to implement the proposed support model in the face of several constraints experienced in South Africa’s rural areas. Support for persons affected by crime in South Africa is gradually being realized at macro-level. However, persons affected by crime have only rigorously been attended to from 1996 with the implementation of a crime prevention strategy, the Victim Empowerment Program, lead by the Department of Social Development. However, the concept of victim support is regarded as more appropriate when referring to the services described by the Program. In considering further development of services rendered by persons affected by crime in the North-West Province, a model was developed and illustrated in the format of a support network. The model provides for the organization of institutions in four concentric panels in order to ensure a coordinated provision of professional and community-based support services. Panel 1 represents the services at the police station where the crime is reported. Panel 2 provides for specialized therapeutic and protective support. Panel 3 includes the generic professional services that are provided by social workers, and panel 4 provides for general emotional and practical support by community-based organizations. The goal of this article is the development of a support model which is to be deployed within the context of rural areas. The question posed is what does an effective support model for persons affected by crime in the North-West Province or in rural areas look like? Bibliography