How can you practically empower yourself, or the women and children you know, during this year’s 16 days of Activism? The Mail & Guardian‘s “HOW TO” guide will tackle a different area each day, including suing for maintenance, applying for a social grant and getting an interdict against an abusive partner.

Rape

Rape is a violent, traumatic and life-changing experience that can happen to anyone. Remember that no one ever wants or deserves to be raped. It is important that you do not feel responsible or guilty about the rape incident.

Many rape survivors not informed about the right steps to follow after the crime are unable to find justice. As a result cases are often struck off the roll because survivors have in one way or other failed to keep the evidence of the crime intact. Most of them immediately take a shower or destroy the clothes they were wearing when they were raped.

Definition
The Sexual Offences Amendment Act was recently revised to include a new and comprehensive definition of rape. The act specifies that rape occurs when one individual intentionally commits an act of sexual penetration into the vagina, anus or mouth of another individual without their consent. This means that both woman and men can have equal protection under law.

The steps one should follow if they are raped

• Try and find a friend or someone who will sympathise to accompany you as you seek professional help. This person will have to make a statement to the police about your emotional state, your physical condition and other details.
• Do not take a bath until you seen a doctor and keep everything you had on in a bag (clothes, tempons, etc) as these will be needed for forensic evidence should you choose to press charges. It is best to report the rape within 72 hours so that evidence such as blood or semen can still be collected. Remember, many officials still believe that if a person does not report a crime immediately then it did not happen.
• Go to a hospital or clinic for medical attention and if you are HIV negative you need to receive ARVs. If you’re a woman you’re also entitled to morning after pills.
• If you intend pressing charges go to a police station to lay a statement. It is better not to take any tranquillizers or alcohol before going to the police. You need to be clear-headed when you are giving your statement.
• You need to receive counselling by a trained professional to help you get through the trauma.
• After a receiving a number of counselling sessions and the trauma has ebbed, you must see a law enforcement agent to give another statement.
• Remember to report any unfair or inappropriate treatment by Saps members to organisations like POWA or the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD).

See the links below for more support groups
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on how to deal with post-traumatic stress after a rape: (011) 884 1797
People Opposing Women : (011) 642 4345
Rape Crisis: (021) 479 762
Life Line 0800-012-322

Find out more on empowering yourself as a women. Look at our list of “HOW TO” guides for more information here.

View more on our special report on 16 days of activism here:.