Victim Care Officer Charmaine Foo dedicates herself to supporting victims of crime.
By: Rose Maswida
In moments when despair and hurt weigh heavily on one’s heart after becoming a victim of crime, the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) Victim Care Cadre Programme (VCCP) offers a beacon of hope.
Volunteers with the VCCP, also known as Victim Care Officers (VCOs), work with the Police to support victims of crime (including sexual crime, scams and other offences) throughout the investigation process. VCOs 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.
To enhance victim care capabilities, the SPF is piloting a collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to leverage the expertise of students pursuing their Masters in Forensic Psychology. These students undergo the same training as regular VCOs and have been responding to activations for victim care services since March 2024.
A second-year student in SUSS’ Forensic Psychology programme, Ms Charmaine Foo is currently attached to the Police Psychological Services Department (PPSD) as a Trainee Psychologist. In April 2024, she had the opportunity to attend the third edition of the SPF’s Sexual Crime Awareness Seminar, which focused on youth sexual offending and criminal justice procedures for victims and offenders. We caught up with Ms Foo to learn more about how she brings her field experience in psychology to support victims of crime.
What motivated you to join the VCCP?
In my previous role as a case worker at a residential girls’ home, I’d worked with victims of sexual crime and often heard about how intimidating legal processes could be for them. Their fear of alienation – that their parents or friends might no longer accept them – deeply affected me.
As a case worker, I couldn’t address these issues fully, and that’s why I felt compelled to volunteer as a VCO, to provide closer support to victims of crime. I believe there’s so much value in supporting victims across all levels, from direct engagement to policy matters.
How do you help victims cope better during sessions?
I listen, apply psychological first aid and help them to identify and manage their emotions. I also share alternative resources that they can turn to if they require longer-term support, such as Family Service Centres.
What challenges do you face as a VCO?
Helping victims to manage their emotions is always the toughest part. Their emotions are often high and raw before they come for sessions. Sometimes, victims may cry uncontrollably. As VCOs, we try to give them the space to grieve and process their emotions.
How has your experience as a Trainee Psychologist at the PPSD contributed to your role as a VCO?
I’ve been given the opportunity to learn about the frameworks and approaches that the SPF uses to help victims of crime cope with trauma. This allows me to understand the psychology of trauma on a deeper level and equips me to apply trauma-informed practices when engaging with victims, providing the support that they need.
What are your aspirations in the field of victim support and counselling?
I aspire to improve access to resources for victims and empower them to reclaim their lives after experiencing trauma. Beyond offering psychological assistance, I want to stand by them and help them realise that their journey is one of regaining control over their lives, and that they possess the strength to rebuild their confidence. I want to empower them to connect with their own healing. I also want to hone my knowledge of de-escalation techniques to assist victims in their moments of emotional distress.
“Witnessing victims shift from feelings of self-blame to self-compassion has been incredibly rewarding.” – Ms Charmaine Foo
How has your journey as a VCO been so far?
It’s been a meaningful and eye-opening experience. Initially, I wondered about the impact I could make, but I soon realised how our sessions help to ensure the safety of victims and prevent self-harm.
I see each session as an opportunity to plant seeds of understanding and resilience in the minds of victims. While some may not immediately grasp certain things we share during a session, they may remember it later and feel reassured and comforted.
Knowing that I’ve played a part in their healing journey, even if it was a small part, fills me with pride and fulfilment!
Learn more about the SPF’s Sexual Crime Awareness Seminar 2024, held on 15 April 2024. Read the Police News Release on the Seminar and watch the videos below!
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