Health professionals trained to help survivors of sexual assaults

The Gauteng Health Department has trained more health professionals in the management and care of survivors of sexual assault.

MEC for Health Hope Papo said that they have trained more than 170 nurses and doctors.

“We have trained them to respond appropriately to the health needs of survivors, including attending to their physical injuries, immediate and long term psychological support, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and treatment as well as HIV counselling and prevention, since the inception of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 2004.

“Currently, there are 47 centres across Gauteng province which provides PEP treatment to survivors of sexual assaults. There seven in Johannesburg and 23 centres based in hospitals, community health centres and clinics,” he said.

Papo said that the department efforts have made meaningful strides in upping the fight against sexual assault incidents.

“A further 83 doctors and social workers were trained in trauma containment to enable them to understand trauma and how to manage patients in crisis. This training also raised awareness about the law, especially in relation to domestic violence, rape and child abuse.

“The training has also improved negative attitudes, including blaming and disbelieving victims who report sexual assault. It has improved respect for rights of patients to self-determination and reduced discrimination to survivors,” he said.