Police Life interviews two compassionate Victim Care Officers to discover the transformative power of a listening ear.
By: Christabelle Lim
Established in 2014, the Singapore Police Force’s Victim Care Cadre Programme (VCCP) allows volunteers to work with the Police to support victims of crime (including sexual crime, scams and other serious offences) throughout the investigation process. Also known as Victim Care Officers (VCOs), they are trained to provide a listening ear and to look out for the well-being of victims, who may be struggling to cope in the aftermath of trauma.
Ip Lee Lee, Retired Counsellor, VCO since 2018
With 37 years of experience as a trained counsellor, Ip Lee Lee is no stranger to helping people overcome adversity. Her calm and warm disposition made each interaction feel so easy and natural as Police Life caught up with her to find out why she joined the VCCP, the challenges she faced and why she finds being a volunteer so fulfilling!
How did you get started as a volunteer with the VCCP?
I was a full-time counsellor at the Singapore Armed Forces Counselling Centre, and through our work, I met with several of the Psychologists at the Police Psychological Services Department (PPSD). That’s where I got to know about the VCCP! I attended the training and learnt more about the Programme, which I found very meaningful, so I started volunteering my time.
What’s the most memorable case you’ve encountered on this volunteer journey?
There was an elderly lady in her seventies who was scammed of her life savings. I was very concerned about her safety and well-being as she was emotionally distressed and had very little of her own support system.
Together with my VCO partner, we ensured that she took care of her well-being and received the support she needed – emotionally, socially and from social services.
What’s one thing you’ve learnt from your VCO experience?
I’m thankful that we, as VCOs, have the privilege to journey with the victims during this difficult time in their lives. Despite the odds some of them face, they open up to us, complete strangers, and in the process, understand their own strengths.
What would you say to those interested to join the VCCP?
It heartens me when we can see a shift in the victim’s well-being at the end of a session. It tells me that we’ve made a difference in whatever ways we can, by providing a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a safe space for them to vent their feelings. So, I hope more will step forward to be trained in this very meaningful volunteer role.
Jessica Cecilia Bose, School Counsellor, VCO since 2022
How long have you been a volunteer with the VCCP?
I completed the VCCP training in January 2022 and have been a VCO since then. My educational background is in psychology and counselling, and I’m currently working at the Ministry of Education as a school counsellor. Due to my personal experiences and those of people close to me, I developed a passion for mental wellness.
Can you share with us what made you join the VCCP?
I was studying for my master’s degree and looking for organisations to partner with for my practicum component. My mentor recommended the VCCP to me to gain practical experience in trauma-informed care. After some research, I discovered that not only is the VCCP very meaningful, it also provides many opportunities for training. So, I decided to give it a shot!
Can you share with us some of the challenges you face during your work as a VCO?
One challenge would be establishing good rapport with the victim in a very short amount of time. It’s not easy being vulnerable, let alone with a stranger you just met for the first time. So, allowing the victims to feel psychologically safe with us, can be challenging.
Were there instances when you felt affected in the course of volunteering? How did you overcome it?
Definitely – we’re human after all. The best thing has just been to allow myself to feel any emotion that naturally surfaces. After giving myself some time, I try to understand why a particular case might be affecting me more than usual. Once I’ve processed this, I either just have a good rest or engage in activities that put me at ease and remind me that I’m safe. For example, I’ll spend time with my loved ones, or work out.
What would you say to those who might be interested to join the VCCP?
Give it a shot! Not only will you find the work deeply meaningful, you’ll also become a part of a great community. I’m so thankful for the friendships I’ve formed through the VCCP!
Interested in becoming a Victim Care Officer?
As a Victim Care Officer, you’ll work with the Police to provide practical and emotional support to victims of crime throughout the investigation process. Volunteers need to have the relevant background in areas such as psychology, social work or counselling, and will undergo a stringent selection and training process before they’re appointed for a two-year minimum period. Find out more here!
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