The Purple Willow, a springboard safe house, the first of its kind in the Alberton, was invited by Captain Foord and Warrant Officer Corrie of SAPS Brackendowns to join in their Community in Blue launch today. SAPS units, EMPD, security companies, NGOs business partners and medical companies showcased their skills and talents.
With soaring statistics, each year peaking with astonishing increase in abuse of children, human trafficking and domestic violence, the need for registered places of safety in South Africa is growing exponentially.
Timothy Denny, Counsellor for Alberton Ward 106, and his committee in cooperation with Unchain Our Children and Alberton Child Welfare stepped up and a property was made available to be the first springboard safe house for children brought from immediate danger of domestic violence, sexual exploitation.
Wayne van Onselen, founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children handed over dignity packs for girls and boys to the station commissioner of SAPS Brackendowns for their victim empowerment center. Unchain Our Children emphasized the importance of this partnership because standing together in the community combatting GBV, abuse against children, domestic violence and human trafficking is not only a duty but a service to the vulnerable.
The Alberton community had the opportunity to meet with members of Brackendowns SAPS and their various partners who keep the community safe.
People could choose delicious eats and drinks from a variety of food stalls and enjoyed live demonstrations by K9 and medical teams. The ROCKET, a medical chopper was the highlight of the day.
The Purple Willow, is expected to open once the renovation of the property is completed. House parents will manage the place of safety and provide shelter, care, protection, and a loving environment for children that have been brought from imminent danger in domestic or other circumstances.