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
Ashley van Heerden is a Clinical Psychologist practising in the Western Cape. She holds a Master of Social Science (Clinical Psychology) and a Master of Social Science (Research Psychology). She also holds certifications in Programme Management (University of Geneva) and Gestalt Therapy.
Under the umbrella of the United Nations, she has developed and implemented relevant, cost-effective human rights programmes within the South African context, assisting numerous NPOs and being invited to present her work at national and international conferences. Broad areas of interest include developmental trauma and working from a social justice perspective, particularly in relation to LGBTQIA+ rights and gender-based violence.

Ms Ashley van Heerden
Chairperson
tvd@psyssa.com
Bio
Ashley van Heerden is a Clinical Psychologist practising in the Western Cape. She holds a Master of Social Science (Clinical Psychology) and a Master of Social Science (Research Psychology). She also holds certifications in Programme Management (University of Geneva) and Gestalt Therapy.
Under the umbrella of the United Nations, she has developed and implemented relevant, cost-effective human rights programmes within the South African context, assisting numerous NPOs and being invited to present her work at national and international conferences. Broad areas of interest include developmental trauma and working from a social justice perspective, particularly in relation to LGBTQIA+ rights and gender-based violence.

Ms Sunitha Swanepoel
Vice-Chair
Bio
Sunitha Swanepoel holds a Master of Social Science (Clinical Psychology) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Broad areas of clinical and research interest include developmental trauma, psychobiography, culture, Afrikaner identity, masculinity, first episode psychosis, decoloniality, and physical rehabilitation work. Sunitha’s honours dissertation, Oliver Reginald Tambo: A Psychobiography from an African Psychology Perspective, was presented as a poster during PsySSA’s 2019 annual conference and was published as an article in the February 2022 edition of the Journal of Psychology in Africa. She completed her community service with the Department of Correctional Services and is collaborating on numerous research projects. Sunitha is currently working at Charis Psychological Services at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital Auckland Park.

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

Ms Lynne Richards
Student Representative
lynnealthea@gmail.com
Bio
Lynne Richards is an intern clinical psychologist completing her dissertation at the University of Kwazulu Natal, with a focus on child neglect. Her broad areas of interest include neuropsychology and the effect of developmental trauma on neuropsychology, the intersectionality of race, culture and violence and decoloniality. Lynne has a passion for volunteerism and mental health advocacy.
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
Psychological First Aid
The Psychological First Aid Operations Guide was developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and National Center for PTSD.