Rape is a very traumatic experience, and survivors are often unclear as to what action to take after the assault. Grocott’s Mail outlines the steps to follow.
Rape is a very traumatic experience, and survivors are often unclear as to what action to take after the assault. Grocott’s Mail outlines the steps to follow.
As difficult as it may be, survivors should try to remain calm and contact the police immediately. They should also reach out to someone they trust so that they are aware of the situation and are available for support.
The police will then collect the survivor and take them to the nearest police station, where they will be accompanied to the Victim Support Centre. This is a separate support unit next to the police station that specialises in dealing with rape survivors. This centre offers privacy and preserves their dignity. They will receive support and comfort from a member of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) – a division of the SAPS.
At the centre, the survivor will be asked to make a statement, and may request a female officer to assist them. A case will be opened and they will receive a case number. This case number is vital for further investigations and examinations.
The survivor will then be escorted to Settlers' Hospital, where there is a private room right at the entrance. The police bring along a rape kit which the doctor will then open in front of them. A thorough medical examination and evidence for forensic investigation will be collected. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), for the prevention of the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as post-coital contraception, which prevents pregnancy, will be administered. Medication will only be given with the survivor’s consent.
The survivor will be kept in the hospital so that staff can monitor their condition for the next 72 hours. They will receive counselling and any other necessary medication.
However, if the survivor sustains a physical injury during the attack, they are encouraged to seek medical attention at Settlers' Hospital. Rhodes University students can also go to the Rhodes Health Care Centre. After the wounds are attended to, the police will be notified and the survivor will be taken to the police station to open a case. After this process, they will return the victim to the hospital for the medical examination.
Rape survivors may not want to press charges against the rapist immediately. However, it is vital that a case is opened as they may change their mind in the future. This way, evidence will not get lost.
After the incident, survivors can expect to experience feelings of shame, anger, guilt and disgust which may lead you to withdraw. These feelings are normal, but it’s imperative to seek continued psychological counselling and support so that the survivor can heal.
Tips for supporting a survivor
•It is extremely important to make sure the survivor doesn’t shower or clean her/himself in any way, as vital evidence could be lost.
•Don’t let the survivor change his/her clothes, but if clothes are changed each garment should be wrapped in a separate paper bag.
•Make sure the survivor is not left alone, even though he/she might want to be. Survivors are very vulnerable and possibly suicidal.
•Keep him/her calm by giving a step by step plan of what is going to happen in the next few hours – this keeps him/her grounded in reality.
•Keep it confidential.
•Never make the survivor feel like they are to blame.
•You might need therapy yourself
Contact details
-South African Police Services: 10111
-Settlers Hospital: 046 6025 000
-Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS): 046 6222 360
-Rhodes Counselling Centre emergency: 082 8030 177 (students only)
-Rhodes Health Care Centre emergency: 082 8011 409 (students only)
-Campus Protection Unit: 046 6038 146 (students only)
