Divisions
Trauma and Violence Division (TVD)
Objectives
The aims of the Division of Trauma and Violence of PsySSA:
In addition to the objectives of PsySSA and the functions of divisions as expressed in Articles 2 and 13 respectively of the PsySSA constitution, the mission of the TVD is to promote the minimisation of violence in society and psychological harm due to exposure to potentially traumatic events. The TVD addresses this mission through the advancement and appropriate dissemination of scientific research that informs good preventative and ameliorative practice and the implementation of specific initiatives that addresses particular needs related to the prevention of violence or treatment of traumatic stress and related phenomena. The goals derived from this mission are to be achieved in cooperation with other PsySSA structures, other professional organisations, the general public, and governmental organisation
Incentives for membership
Fees
Full Member
Associate Member
Affiliate Member
Student Member
Social media
Exco members

Ms Ashley van Heerden
Chairperson
Bio

Ms Sunitha Swanepoel
Vice-Chair
Bio

Ms Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao
Secretary/Treasurer
rekha.kangokar@gmail.com
Bio
Rekha is a registered student psychologist and is currently completing her M.A. Community-Based Counselling psychology at the University of Witswatersrand. She is actively involved in the community, applying the skills and knowledge acquired through academics and experience in life.

Dr Ann D Watts
Additional Member
Bio
Ann completed her Ph.D and a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in neuropsychology at the then University of Natal. She is a Clinical and Neuropsychologist based at Entabeni Hospital, Durban. Ann was an expert in the field (neuropsychology) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal until 2019 and a visiting neuropsychology lecturer at the Universities of Zululand and the Free State. She is Editor of the International Platform of the International Journal of Psychology and a Consulting Editor of the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.

Dr Karl Swain
Additional Member
Bio

Mr Daniel den Hollander
Additional Member
Bio
News and Updates from the Division
Important emergency numbers
SAPS Emergency Services: 10111
Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Domestic violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 116
Lifeline: 0861322322
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0112344837
Suicide Crisis Lifeline: 0800567567
Trauma Helpline: 0800205026
Highlighted lectures and podcasts
- Protecting children in the time of COVID-19: working digitally with risk, uncertainty, and loss: https://youtu.be/LrIn3sSLF8A & https://youtu.be/VZe-obhMonY
- The Importance of understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and the lens of trauma: https://youtu.be/95Q-mtI79m0
- Child and Family Traumatic Stress Interventions: https://youtu.be/62FqvsVHKV4
Upcoming seminars and conferences
- International Conference on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychological Interventions, April 14-15, 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa: https://waset.org/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-psychological-interventions-conference-in-april-2022-in-cape-town
- Traumatic bereavement: supporting children and young people at school or college: https://www.annafreud.org/training/training-and-conferences-overview/online-training-live-and-self-directed-courses/traumatic-bereavement-supporting-children-and-young-people-at-school-or-college/
- 33rd Annual Trauma Conference: psychological trauma: neuroscience, embodiment and the restoration of the self, May 18th – 21st, 2022: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/lp/33rd-annual-boston-trauma-conference/
- Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU) Online congress from 28-30 March 2022 – https://www.panafricanpsychologyunion.org/
Psychological First Aid
The Psychological First Aid Operations Guide was developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and National Center for PTSD.