Create comfort bags for rape survivors

THE Jes Foord Foundation needs your help during the month of April to ensure its Handbag Project is a success.

The project relies on the support of the community to donate new or used handbags and each bag contains items that can assist a rape victim during the initial reporting process at the police station such as a facecloth, soap and new underwear.

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“Typically any item of clothing with forensic evidence on it must be taken from the rape victim, at a time when she or he already feels so vulnerable,” said the Jes Foord Foundation’s Trish Gillespie.

The survivor then undergoes a physical examination before being allowed to shower. “A handbag with ‘comforting’ items in it can go a long way in helping the victim feel a little better,” said Trish.

Each month the Jes Foord Foundation aims to pack 400 rape comfort bags (160 handbags and 240 kiddi packs) to more than 20 beneficiaries country-wide, including Thuthuzela Centres, Childline facilities and the National Court children’s rooms.

“Sadly our Kiddi Packs make up 60 per cent of our total monthly quota and are currently in high demand,” explained Trish.

Items needed to make up an adult rape comfort bag:

Handbag

Panties / underpants (small, medium or large)

Soap and a clean new facecloth

Sanitary pads

Small body lotion

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Small shampoo

Deodorant

Small pack of tissues

A note with words of care and encouragement

Items needed to make up a Kiddi Pack for children U12:

Drawstring bag (minimum size 33cm x 43 cm) or small backpack

Panties or underpants (to replace soiled underwear)

Small pack of tissues

Soap and a clean, new facecloth

Sanitary pad (for vaginal and anal bleeding)

Notebook and ball point pen (used for art therapy to assist in forensic evidence gathering)

Colouring pencils or crayons and a 24-page colouring book

Teddy or small soft toy (for the child to keep and provide comfort for)

Visit jff.org.za to find your nearest drop-off point.

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