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rape survivor
What to do if someone has raped you
GO TO A SAFE PLACE
Do this as soon as possible. The police can take you to a hospital if you are hurt, or they can call for an ambulance. They can also take you to a forensic unit if you are not hurt but you do not have to go to the police or report the rape if you do not feel comfortable to do so.
TELL SOMEONE THAT YOU TRUST
The first person you tell about the rape will sometimes be asked to go to court to support your story – this person is called the first contact witness. If this person is a stranger, write down their contact details. This is important if you decide to report the rape, as the police will need to find that person and talk to them as part of the investigation.
GO STRAIGHT TO A HOSPITAL OR TO A DOCTOR
You have a right to access free medical treatment at a Thuthuzela Care Centre. You will be given the option of laying a criminal charge at these centres or any hospital forensic unit that see rape cases but you will still receive medical attention even if you do not wish to lay a charge.
YOU NEED TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION WITHIN 72 HOURS
It is best to take medicine to prevent HIV infection as soon as possible, with three days being the latest you can still go. They will test you, and if you are HIV negative, the hospital or clinic will give you antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to prevent HIV infection. The ARVs form part of a group of medicines called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
DECIDE WHETHER YOU WANT TO REPORT THE RAPE TO THE POLICE
You may not feel like making this decision soon after the rape. The police can be called to the hospital if you want to report what has happened to you. The police can also take you to a hospital if you are hurt, or they can call for an ambulance. Even if you are not sure whether you wish to lay a charge, it is better to have the forensic examination done, so that the doctor can gather physical evidence for you if you decide to lay a charge later.
For more information, download our 10 step Toolkit:
How to support a rape survivor
- LISTEN: Good listening requires effort and concentration. Let the survivor
talk as much as they want. Don’t be afraid of silence. Give them a comfortable space to speak when they feel able. Respect their choice to share what it is they are able to when they are able to. - BELIEVE: The survivor needs to know that you believe them, that you are trying to understand and that you are sincere and trustworthy.
- EMPATHISE: Be mindful of rape myths. Rape myths ignore the feelings that survivors experience and are used to claim that the survivor wasn’t really raped or that in some way, the survivor was to blame. Have an open attitude and be aware of negative judgements. Let them feel that they can trust you and that you are there to listen to their story.
- EMPOWER: The survivor has been in a situation in which their power has been forcefully taken away. Once the survivor starts making their own decisions, they will be able to start feeling in control of their life again. Encourage the survivor to regain a sense of self & of their own power.
- BE PATIENT: Healing is a lengthy process. Let the survivor decide how much time they need to heal. Sometimes we need to pause, think and feel.
- BE COMPASSIONATE: Be sensitive to their moods, feelings and emotions. You can share your feelings but remember this is not about you it is about them.
- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: If you ignore your own needs, you won’t be able to help with the survivor’s needs. It is not easy supporting someone. Counselling can help you through the process.
Reporting rape at a police station
How to report rape at a police station
- Go to the police station nearest to where the rape took place. No survivor may be turned away simply because the rape took place a long time ago or was committed in the station area of another police station
- You can ask to be seen in a private room at the police station and to give your statement to a female police officer
- A brief statement should be taken first and translated into your own language. If you are not in a state to have a full statement taken, the investigating officer will make an appointment with you for the following day or within 36 hours
- You have a right to be treated with respect for your dignity and to complain if this does not happen
- The police will take you to a medical facility for medical or forensic treatment
Your rights as a victim of rape
For more information download our 10 step Toolkit
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Join the visionary community of monthly and yearly givers