Championing Women Economic Empowerment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most asked questions are answered here. Can’t find an answer? Give us a shout.

READ MORE

From victimhood to VICTORY. Human Rights for ALL. The better way to a BETTER LIFE

Your questions answered

What should I do when I have been raped/someone I know has been raped?
  • Get to a safe place as soon as possible
  • Call somebody you trust who can be there for you
  • Tell this person- this is difficult but it is important, as this person can also support you through the legal process
  • Do not wash yourself – there may be hair, blood or semen on your body and clothes that is important evidence of the rape
  • If you are injured, go straight to a nearby clinic, hospital or doctor
  • Decide whether you are going to report the rape.
If you have been raped - what are your rights?
  • You have the right to get medical help immediately
  • You have the right to get medication to prevent HIV infection – Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • You have the right to get medication to prevent potential sexually transmitted infections
  • You have the right to get medication to prevent pregnancy
  • You have the right to make a decision about whether to report the rape
  • You have the right to make your statement in a private room
  • You have the right to make your statement to a female officer, if there is one
  • You have the right to make your statement in your own language
  • You have the right to have a friend/ family member with you for support
  • You have the right to receive accurate information
  • You have the right to be treated with fairness, respect and human dignity.
Why is it important to report the rape?
  • Rape is a serious offence and the rapist should be brought to justice
  • To get help and support from the legal system
  • To regain a sense of control and safety
  • To ensure your safety and protection from the rapist
How do I report rape?
  • Go to the police station, nearest to where the rape took place, as soon as you can
  • Ask somebody you trust to go with you for support
  • If you don’t want to go, you can ask the police to send a patrol car to your house or the crime scene – this may take some time
  • If there is a Thuthuzela Care Centre close by, go there, as they will contact the police to come there to take the statement
  • At some police stations, there are specially-trained detectives from the Family Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit (FCSU)
  • They should take you to a Victim Support Room or Victim Friendly Room, which is a safe, private and comfortable space in or near the police station
  • A skeleton statement should be taken and translated into your own language:
  • Keep the telephone number of the police station, the name of the officer and the case number written down – it is important information for you to keep
  • Do not sign your statement unless you agree with everything in it
  • If you remember something after you have made the statement, because often the shock could make you forget some detail, you can contact the officer to add it
  • You can report the rape and request no further investigation – in other words not lay a charge
  • If you are afraid that the rapist will intimidate you or harm you because you have reported it, tell the police so that they are aware of it.