WORKING for the community has always been a passion for single mother of two Zodwa Tsautse.She believes her destiny is to make a difference in the lives of victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma and abuse.
The 38-year-old is a counsellor based at LifeLine’s KwaMsane Rape Crisis centre, where she has been working for more than a decade.
After completing her counselling course at LifeLine in 2004, she was unable to find employment and volunteered her services for two years at the centre to utilise her skill. Her perseverance paid off as she was appointed as a permanent staff member in 2007.
Tsautse is responsible for assisting victims with statements, counselling and treatment referrals.
‘While there are so many reports of domestic violence, abuse and suicides, rape remains the biggest crisis by far.
‘There is a tendency by families to try and ‘push the matter under the carpet’ and resolve the matter with a payment for ‘damages’, but this does not help the victim in any way.
‘We have to change people’s mindsets and stress the importance of reporting rape,’ says Tsautse.
‘Cases must be opened as soon as possible because victims have to receive examinations at the doctor, receive counselling and medical treatment if necessary,’
‘In some instances the perpetrator does not use a condom and the victim can be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infections and pregnancy.’
Tsautse is now studying towards a Youth Development Diploma at UNISA.
She is involved and networks with the local Community Policing Forum, Department of Social Development, Mtubatuba Drug Action Committee and other organisations in the area. She actively hosts awareness campaigns and talks on social ills at schools and in the community.
For a Side Box
Reasons why survivors do not report on incidents of rape
• Fear of being stigmatised in the community
• They do not want to be ‘trouble makers ‘ or cause ‘pain’ to their family
• Ignorance – their own lack of information
• Fear of being intimidated by the perpetrator
• Loss of income if the perpetrator is the breadwinner in the house
LifeLine’s core service includes psychological support and their main aim is to increase community awareness on prevention and increase reporting incidents of rape for both males and females.
They can be contacted on 035 7892472 or the crisis line 035 7897788.
