How to help a neighbour you suspect may be a victim of domestic violence
With South Africa having one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world, the unfortunate reality is that many of us may have witnessed or will likely witness it in our lifetime. Despite its prevalence in our society, many people feel hesitant or fearful to intervene when we know or suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence.
This sad reality was showcased in a 2010 video experiment conducted by People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA). In the video, a man plays the drums from a house within a Johannesburg complex. Multiple neighbours can be seen knocking on his door and asking him to be...
The beginner’s guide to starting a neighbourhood watch group As South Africans, the unfortunate reality is that crime is part of our everyday lives. This is why residents are stepping up and forming neighbourhood watch groups (NHW).
While a NHW member’s job should never include taking the law into their own hands, the success of neighbourhood watches lies in their very existence and presence in the areas they know best – as well as their cooperation and relationships with local police and private...
The importance of trauma counselling Trauma, according to the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), can be defined as a deep psychological wound that has a profound impact on the emotional wellbeing and everyday functioning of the sufferer. It can result from but is not limited to being a victim of viloent crime, family abuse, hijacking, rape, and even chronic illness.
What does trauma look like? There are long term consequences experienced by those with trauma, which can include: The sufferers’ thoughts become overwhelmed and consumed by the traumatic incident Concentration is incredibly difficult, if not impossible Poor...
Staying Calm During A Medical Emergency Many of us will likely bear witness to a medical emergency at some point in our lives, while few of us have professional medical training. While every medical emergency is different, there are a few simple techniques that most people are capable of that can be applied to improve the patient’s outcome and potentially save a life.
If you ever find yourself on the scene of a...
How app-based security services can help address gender-based violence in SA Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach. Technological innovations such as app-based security services can play a valuable role.
Finding ways to drastically reduce GBV in South...
Three Ways the Landscape of Security in South Africa is Changing With South Africa’s crime rates on the rise and the South African police force falling short in many ways, private security has long been a necessary and welcomed solution for many.
For years, the private security industry has...
The Conversation About Safety Every Household Should Be Having
Fire drills and first aid courses – many of us...
The Beginner’s Guide to Situational Awareness Situational awareness is the practice of being aware of what is going on around you in an effort to ensure and maintain your safety. Sounds simple, right? Not necessarily.
While many of us may assume we’re already aware...
6 Ways to protect your home over the Easter weekend AURA has been experimenting with some of the latest technologies and security installations to help guide you as you keep your home safe during the festive season.
Whether you're staying home or going on holiday,...
7 Ways to protect yourself in the event of an armed robbery As 2020 draws to a close, the financial and economic impact has become apparent. Unemployment has increased, leaving millions of people without an income - as a result a multitude of social issues have followed.
There are those that choose to actively search...
How smart technology helps to prevent crime Technological advances are drastically altering our everyday lives at an exciting and sometimes overwhelming pace.
While not all technological advances are...
