The very sad incident of the eight survivors of rape, last week Thursday evening, occurred in our town; Krugersdorp. The reality is that rape and brutal attacks are not isolated incidents. Just two weeks ago four women were raped and three of them murdered in the Tarlton area. Yes this case is receiving a lot of media attention. But there should be this kind of media attention to every survivor of rape in our country. We should be reacting with a massive outcry to every case. But on a positive note, there is support and help available.
Please contact and report to Leratong crisis centre as soon as possible/ urgently after the incident. They are operational 24/7 including public holidays. A First Responder will meet you at the facility and provide psycho- social support and explain the forensic procedure that will follow. LifeLine staff will continue to support you after the rape. One can also report at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital from 7h00 till 17h00, also over weekends.
What to do: Do not bath, keep evidence. Rape can cause health problems like HIV, so please get to your health services as soon as possible. LifeLine have been providing this services at our facilities for the past two years. The attached picture is of LifeLine staff members participating in a peaceful demonstration together with other organizations.