PRESS RELEASE: New sexual offences court due to be opened in Bredasdorp on 7 February.
Members of the Media
Press Release | For immediate release
6 February 2020
New sexual offences court due to be opened in Bredasdorp on 7 February.
On 7 February 2020 the Department of Justice will officially be launching a new sexual offences court in Bredasdorp, Western Cape.
Taking place at the NG Kerk, No. 2 Church Street, from 09h30 onwards, the opening will be officiated by the honourable Mr John Jeffery. Following the opening there will be an Imbizo (meeting) with the community members.
Almost seven years to the day since the rape and murder of Anene Booysen in Bredasdorp (she died on 2 Feb 2013), this court is a much needed and welcomed addition to the judicial system and the community as a whole. This court opening comes just days after the official regulations for sexual offences courts came into law and marks a momentous start to the year in the fight against rape and gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence is staggeringly high in South Africa with the number of rapes reaching the highest the country has seen in four years. (Source) Here at Rape Crisis’ RSJC we believe that all survivors of sexual offences should have access to a specialised court, which is why we are thrilled by the news of this new court opening.
Below are the details for the opening:
Date: 7 February 2020
Venue: NG Kerk Hall, Number 2 Church Street, Bredasdorp
Time: From 09h30 onwards
For more information contact Jeanne Bodenstein on jeanne@rapecrisis.org.za.
About RSJC:
The Rape Survivors’ Justice Campaign advocates for the planned and funded rollout of sexual offences courts. These courts are the key to restoring faith in the criminal justice system.
Sexual Offences Courts are specialized courts that specifically deal with sexual offences and provide special services to survivors. These courts are sensitive to the survivor and help to; reduce the trauma, speed up cases, deliver better court judgements thanks to better skilled court personnel and better support for survivors, increase reporting of rape and increase convictions.
