SOUTH CAPE NEWS - Sunday 25 November marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
"Gender-based violence has reached crisis levels, and failing to address this will mean that many more people will suffer the consequences. We will continue to stand up and fight for women who suffer at the hands of an abuser. It is traumatic enough having to go through the ordeal of rape or sexual assault, and through the Thuthuzela centres we are trying to make this process more bearable," said Dr Normafrench Mbombo, Minister of Health.
Violence against women and children can take on many forms. One of these is rape, which is defined as a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without that person's consent.
Together, the Western Cape Department of Health and other non-governmental organisations offer services free of charge to rape and sexual assault survivors.
Thuthuzela care centres (TCC) are one-stop facilities that have been introduced by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as a critical part of South Africa's anti-rape strategy. These centres provide a range of services where comprehensive services such as medical examination, counselling, statement taking and investigations are provided. The TCC at George Hospital is within the hospital.
Health services for survivors are also available at district hospitals and private healthcare providers. Most survivors come via the police, but it's not a criterion for healthcare that the case is reported to the police. "We do however encourage survivors to report a case and collect forensic evidence as soon as possible," said Mbombo.
When a survivor visits a clinic, they receive the relevant treatment and will be referred to the nearest hospital where they will receive the following services:
- Medical tests (HIV, syphilis, pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases)
- Medical examination and evidence collection from the body (if consent is given)
- Provision of post-exposure prophylaxis based on test results, against pregnancy, HIV and STIs
- Treatment or referral of treatment of any other injury
Follow-up visits are arranged at either the hospital or primary care facility where they are linked to appropriate care.
Report women and child abuse at the following organisations
- Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
- Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453)
- SAPS: 08600 10111
- Childline: 0800 055 555
- Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development: 0800 220 250
- LifeLine 24-hour counselling helpline: 021 461 1111
- Find out more about safety services for women and children by sending an SMS with the word INFO to 35395.
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