Sexual violence is a critical issue in South Africa, affecting many lives.
South African laws, including the Sexual Offences Acts, recognise crimes like rape and sexual assault. To raise awareness on what sexual violence is and where a victim can get support, Families South Africa (Famsa) provides the following information:
Sexual harassment may be of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature, including written and electronic communications.
Rape is any non-consensual vaginal, anal, or oral penetration of a sexual nature of the body of another person with any bodily part or object, including through the use of physical violence and by putting the victim in a situation where they cannot say no or complies because of fear. This can be by a person known or unknown to the victim, within marriage and relationships, and during armed conflict.
Corrective rape is perpetrated against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is intended to force the victim to conform to heterosexuality or normative gender identity.
Sexual harassment is often handled as misconduct within the workplace or schools. Not all cases are reported, making it hard to grasp the extent of the problem.
It is important to note that:
- Silence does not equal consent.
- Victims should not be blamed for the violence perpetrated against them. They do not bring it on themselves; those using abusive behaviour must be accountable.
- One should take responsibility for one’s own sexuality and respect a partner’s autonomy.
- The use of alcohol or drugs to coerce someone into sex is not acceptable.
- One should avoid objectifying or stereotyping individuals, and promote gender equity among the youth in a social environment.
The Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC) are helping survivors and trying to improve conviction rates. Most are near or attached to hospitals.
Care centres employ a five-step process: 1. A survivor reports a rape case to a centre or police station.2. The staff at the centres help the survivor obtain medical attention.3. The care centres organise counselling for the survivor. 4. Staff at the centres help the survivor open a police case, which can occur at any time. 5. Staff arranges ongoing counselling and court preparation for the survivor.
Famsa forms part of the TCC in Kuruman and works closely with other centres. Famsa assists with trauma debriefing and counselling to assist the victim.
Contact Famsa on 053-723-1564.
