FRIDAY, 2.30PM
NATIONAL policy guidelines for dealing with the victims of sexual offences were launched at the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on Friday.
The guidelines were compiled by the departments of Justice, Safety and Security, Health, Welfare, and Correctional Services, Deputy Justice Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said in a statement.
“For the first time, state departments with varying line functions have taken hands in a combined effort to produce a uniform, holistic and integrated approach in dealing with victims of sexual offences,” she said.
The guidelines will serve to educate police officers, state prosecutors, and health and welfare officials to deal with victims of sexual violence, especially women and children.
“The emphasis is on elimination of secondary victimisation,” Msimang said. “We would like to encourage victims of sexual offences to step forward and report those crimes.”