On Friday, the Western Cape High Court opened a dedicated victim support room to help witnesses feel more at ease as they prepare to assist the courts in making decisions in some of the country’s most traumatic cases.
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The room is located at the end of a passage, away from the courtroom, so victims and witnesses do not feel exposed while waiting to be called.
The room has been decorated and furnished to be a comfortable space for all ages, from small children to adults, thanks to its high ceilings and oversized windows.
Victims and witnesses used to sit in a stuffy room right next to the courts, having to walk past the accused’s families.
‘As a presiding judge, it is sad to say that not all victims will make it to this room,’ Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath, who presided over the Anene Booysen case in Bredasdorp in 2013, told News24. ‘But this room will create the space for victims to become victors.’
A couch has been cushioned with soft knitted teddies that are meant to be taken home rather than wrenched from the hands of an overburdened child. A small play table has been set up, surrounded by brightly coloured chairs, with small toys ready for busy or nervous fingers. The old fireplace was demolished and replaced with cushions and toys for small children who might want to take one of the books out for some quiet reading time in a reading nook.
According to News24, court intermediaries, who assist child and adult witnesses in understanding court procedures, will have a private space to sit and help them cope with the trauma of being in a court building and possibly about to see the accused.
A generous donor has provided new glossy lifestyle magazines for adults to read for a moment of escape and a long chest of drawers is filled with snack packs, toiletry kits and even clothing. In a corner, a small kitchen with a kettle, microwave and fridge is set up to make a comforting bowl of instant noodles, a soothing cup of tea, or a bowl of cereal.
Court manager Valerie Noah explained the rationale for the dedicated safe space, saying that testifying can be very bewildering, and she hopes that sitting in a quiet support room rather than out in the corridor or on the cold steps outside will make witnesses feel less vulnerable.
Advocate Maria Marshall is currently prosecuting two men and a woman in a massive human trafficking trial, as well as managing all of the moving parts that keep the trial on schedule and on track.
Having an office colleague babysit a witness’s infant at the last minute, sending a discreet signal to the judge that a new mom needs a breastfeeding break and lending a witness a personal jacket because the court is colder than expected are all part of Marshall’s day’s work.
Small touches, such as a jewellery box filled with message cards containing a motivational message that a witness can pop into their pocket and read on the way home, complete the safe space.
While most of the preparation was done by court personnel, a few items are still required.
The Department of Justice has agreed to assist with these, but anyone interested in replenishing the comfort pack and clothing supplies, donating books and toys, or even donating a couch to curl up on can contact Laura Baartman at [email protected].
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