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Social Development commemorates 10 years of Victim Empowerment
8 August 2008
The Deputy Minister for Social Development, Dr Jean Swanson-Jacobs will deliver the keynote address at the 10th anniversary conference to be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on the 18th of August. The Deputy Minister and her counterpart, Social Development MEC Meshack Hadebe will officiate the conference.
The department will be hosting a conference to mark the anniversary from 18 to 20 August 2008.
As the lead department in the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), Social Development has the responsibility of co-ordinating the programme both nationally and provincially. The Victim Empowerment Programme places emphasis on prevention of victimisation, providing support, protection, and empowerment for victims of crime and violence, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
The programme focuses on promoting a victim centred-approach to crime prevention and strives towards developing a deeper knowledge of victim issues, strengthening resources, and addressing the needs of victims and stimulating volunteer participation and taking the concerns of victims seriously.
In this way, secondary victimisation is reduced, co-operation with criminal justice process is encouraged, socially desirable behaviour is reinforced and offenders and potential offenders are deterred.
Media is invited to cover the event, which will begin at 10h00
For media RSVPs and interviews e-mail:
zingaphim@dsd.gov.za or call 074 197 8383
For enquiries contact:
Kgati Sathekge
Cell: 082 808 9486
Issued by: Department of Social Development
8 August 2008