Cape Town | Wednesday
THE Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) on Wednesday expressed concern on the continuing abhorrent and inhumane rape of infants in South Africa. ”Infants unable to defend themselves are ripped open, possibly by an implement or by forced entry, to allow sexual penetration,” CMSA said in a statement.
The college, which represents 7 000 specialists and 2 000 family practitioners, said damage to ”these tiny people” extended to both their internal and external organs and defied belief.
Survivors needed reconstructive surgery which required multiple operations and normal function might never be restored while the psychological damage was immeasurable.
”Infant rape appears to be related to the myth that intercourse with a young virgin can allow the perpetrator to rid himself of HIV/Aids. This is seen as an act of purification,” the CMSA said.
The organisation appealed to the government to openly and actively debunk the myth and to change present legislation to ensure more harshly punitive sentencing to deter would-be rapists.
Convicted perpetrators should also be removed from society.
The government should also initiate awareness campaigns to educate communities about the scourge. Rape victims, especially children, should be offered post sexual assault anti-retroviral prophylaxis.
CMSA said it would organise two symposia on child rapes within the next few months.
The first will be held at the CMSA’s offices in Rondebosch, Cape Town on May 16 and 17 and another at the Steve Biko Lecture Theatre, University of Natal in Durban on May 24. – Sapa