Sexual offences are defined in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 as incidents which include rape, which can be committed to a man, or a woman, sexual assault, exposure to or displaying child pornography to people older than 18, and trafficking people for sexual purposes, among others.
The Act offers protection to children and the mentally-disabled against the following offences:
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual grooming.
• Exposure or display of pornography.
• Using children or mentally-disabled people for pornography.
Know what to do should you be a victim of a sexual offence:
• Visit your nearest police station, where an officer will take your statement.
• You are allowed to have a person of your choice present to support you during the interview.
• Your statement can be obtained in private or in a victim-friendly room at the police station.
• You may give your statement in your own language.
• You have the right to request a copy of your statement.
• The police will provide you with a case number which you must use whenever you want information about your case.
• The police officer must ensure you are examined by a healthcare professional, who will complete a medical report and collect medical evidence.
If you have come in contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluid of the alleged offender during the commission of the sexual offence, you may have been exposed to the risk of being infected with HIV.
In such a case, the officer will have to provide you with a copy of a SAPS 580(a) Notice Form which entails services available to you as a victim.
The form entails the following information:
• Importance of obtaining post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to treat HIV infection without delay, but within 72 hours after the offence.
• The PEP will be administered at the state’s expense.
• You will receive free medical advice and assistance in administering of the PEP prior to taking it.
• The victim may also apply for a court order at a magistrate’s court compelling the alleged offender to undergo an HIV test at the state’s expense.
Do not protect sexual perpetrators, your protection endangers other potential victims.
By reporting the commission of sexual offences against you, you may assist others to report their offences too.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
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