I was raped, so what now?
At some point it is no longer about the rape, but about you staying alive. Some rapist act kindly, while others are violent.
AS 85 per cent of rapists in South Africa are armed with a knife or a gun, it is best not to fight back. It is not always possible to defend yourself and your resistance may cause serious injury. But submission is not consent.
It is of utmost importance that you stay alive. If you think you can fight off a rapist, you need to be 100 per cent sure so as not to endanger yourself further.
The Epic Foundation highly recommends that everyone receives training in self-defence techniques.
READ: Help EPIC help rape survivors
Remember the following:
• Remain calm.
• Memorise what he looks like (not what he is wearing) – take special note of scars, tattoos, anything which will make him stand out and easier for the police to identify.
• If there is more than one attacker, do not try to memorise all of them. Try to memorise only one but do not let them see you are doing this.
• If possible, scratch him, to store DNA evidence under your nails.
Evidence must be collected within 48 hours. To preserve DNA evidence it is important to remember the following:
• Do not change your clothing.
• Items of clothing containing DNA must be placed in a paper bag or wrapped in newspaper. Do not place items in a plastic bag as this will destroy DNA evidence. Be aware that the police will keep these items of clothing.
• As difficult as it might seem, do not shower, bath, eat, drink, wash your hands or brush your teeth – you will destroy the DNA evidence.
• Do not take any medication – if you were drugged you would need to be tested for the type of drug.
• If possible, take pictures with your cellphone of any bruises/injuries and also the place where the attack happened, etc.
• This might also be difficult, but tell someone you trust what happened, to get their help and support.
READ: Rape: Separating myth from fact
This person can also be called to testify as your first contact witness.
• If the first person you see is a stranger, make sure you get all their details to enable the police to contact them.
• If you do not want to go to a police station, remember you can also go to your closest hospital, Thutuzela Care Centres or Medico-Legal Units in your area. All Netcare hospitals have a sexual trauma unit where they will assist you at no cost if you are a survivor of a sexual assault. They will call the police to come to the hospital to take your statement.
• Should you report to a police station, they will take you to a hospital for an examination.
• You will receive treatment for injuries and shock.
• You will be examined by a clinical forensic practitioner and DNA evidence will be collected. You will be asked to sign a consent form for the examination.
• The hospital should have a rape counsellor who will assist you and help you through the process.
• If you went to the police station first, they will take you to a government hospital for the forensic examination and the collection of DNA.
• This gathering of evidence will form part of the police investigation.
Ensure you have been given the appropriate medication:
• ARVs – anti-retroviral – or PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV/Aids. You need these within 72 hours of the incident. It is best to get ARVs within six to eight hours to better your chances of not getting HIV/Aids.
• Complete the 28-day course.
• Be aware of side effects.
• Morning after pill – to prevent pregnancy.
• Antibiotics – to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
READ: The ugly truth about rape in South Africa
Ensure you ask to be referred to someone for legal advice. There are centres available that will assist you with court preparations, and ensure you ask to be referred to someone who is qualified and registered for counselling.
You can report irrespective of whether you want to lay a charge or not (laying a charge means you want the case to go to court).
READ: Know how to report a rape
If you require further information, or would like to support the Epic Foundation, contact 082 940 6230 or email info@epicfoundation.org.za. Also view www.epicfoundation.org.za for more information.
READ: Make a donation and receive tax perks
Courtesy: Epic Foundation.
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