Thuthuzela Care Centres

Anti Rape Strategy

Reducing secondary victimisation

Thuthuzela Care Centre is a one stop facility that has been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy.

The aim is to reduce secondary Victimisation, and improve conviction rate. We are a multi-disciplinary team consisting of: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, Health Professionals and South African Police Service (SAPS).

Thuthuzela’s integrated approach to rape care is one of respect, comfort, restoring dignity and ensuring justice for children, women and men who are victims of sexual violence. When reporting, the rape victim is removed from crowds and intimidating environments, such as at the police station, to a more victim-friendly environment before being transported by police to the Thuthuzela care centre at the hospital. Enroute, the survivor receives comfort and crisis counselling from a trained Counsellors.

SKILLS INCLUDE:

Trauma containment

Debriefing

Counselling

Refer to relevant stakeholders

Access to medical care

Services offered at the
Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCCs)

Welcome and comfort from a site coordinator or nurse.
A social worker or counsellor will offer counselling.
An explanation of how the medical examination will be conducted and what clothing might be taken for evidence.
A consent form to sign that allows the doctor to conduct the medical examination.
After the medical examination, there are bath or shower facilities for the survivor to use.
An investigation officer will interview the survivor and take his/her statement
A nurse arranges for follow-up visits, treatment and medication for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and AIDS.
A referral letter or appointment will be made for long-term counselling
Arrangements for the survivor to go to a place of safety, if necessary
Court preparation by our Court Supporters, who operates at five [5] regional courts namely: Cape Town court, Khayelitsha court, Parow & Bellville court (these two courts are in the same building in Parow) and Wynberg courts
An explanation of the outcome and update of the trial process by Police officer managing the case

services

The Thuthuzela Care Centres have trained Rape Crisis counsellors

The goal of the project is to develop a replicable model for rape prevention through interventions with youth, that changes social norms both in terms of both attitude and behaviours so that the number of rape incidents is reduced and there is increased reporting of rape.