NGO’s guide to help rape survivors deal with trauma

THE South African government released its crime statistics earlier this year stating that 9 516 rape cases were opened with the SAPS between April and June 2022.

South Africa has among the highest rape statistics in the world; in 2019/2020, there were 42 289 reported rapes along with 7 749 reported sexual assaults. This translates into about 115 rapes each day.

If you have been raped

Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust’s guide to navigating rape says you are strongly encouraged to seek help immediately; you must do this as soon as possible.

The police can take you to a hospital or call an ambulance, and they can also take you to a forensic unit.

If you’re not hurt, you don’t have to go to the police or report the rape until you feel comfortable doing so, but going as soon as possible is important to gather evidence if you choose to press charges. Do not wash first.

It’s crucial to tell the first person you meet, whom you trust, about the rape because he/she might be required to testify on your behalf in court.

Counsellors advise you to gather the individual’s information because should you report the incident, the police will require the person’s testimony as a part of the investigation.

You have the right to medical treatment. You are always given the option of laying criminal charges at any rape crisis centre or hospital forensic unit.

If you have any injuries, you will be treated for them, and you will be given HIV prevention and STI therapy and assessed for pregnancy risk.

You are advised to request emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) to prevent pregnancy; this must be used within 72 hours.

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you may benefit from counselling. Sexual assault can result in severe physical and emotional trauma

Take some time off to recover and deal with the trauma.

No one will judge you, and asking for help does not mean you are weak. Talking to a counsellor provides a safe environment in which you can express your anger and fear.

Sexual abuse is among the more difficult topics to discuss. Victims of assault may try to avoid talking about their abuse or traumatic experiences in an attempt to leave these problems behind. Young people are especially affected by this problem.

However, suppressing distressing, traumatic memories can have longterm effects. You may feel like you can’t trust anyone.

If you do get pregnant from the rape, you can choose to have an abortion. This can be done at a district clinic up to 12 weeks into the pregnancy.

Whether you want to inform the authorities about the rape is entirely up to you. There is no time limit as to when you can lay charges or open a case.

The decision to report the rape may initially seem overwhelming. Take as much time as you need.

It is always preferable to have forensic examinations performed, even if you are unsure of your plans to file charges. This will allow the doctor to gather physical evidence in case you decide to do so later.

If you need support for yourself or for someone who has been raped and is going through a rough time, Rape Crisis has created a comprehensive toolkit to assist rape survivors.

You can contact Rape Crisis by phone at 021 447 97626 or by visiting www.rapecrisis.org.za.