Again because of the news headlines today and the focus on the trauma and tradgedy of rape here is information on what rape is and what to do after a person has been raped.  South Africa is known as the rape capital of the world and a woman is raped every seventeen seconds - only one in nine of those raped will be report the rape. While rape does not only happen to women or female children our laws still only allow for the prosecution of a male who commits this crime against a woman or female child.

Our courts define rape as the intentional, unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman or female child without her consent (in terms of the law intercourse only refers to the penetration of the vagina by a penis) This applies within the context of a marriage or a date as well.

In the case of a rape the following is the proceedure to follow if reporting it:

• Much as you or the person raped  will want to take a bath or shower after the incident, do not do this. Crucial evidence will be lost. Doctors can take skin samples from under your nails or find DNA evidence in or on your body.

• You must go to a police station as soon as possible. You have the right to request to speak to a woman police officer in a private place.

• You may also go directly to a hospital or a district surgeon. Be careful of going to your GP, check first that they are trained to examine rape survivors.

• Make sure the doctor tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

• The doctor should also provide emergency contraception, antibiotics and antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV infection.

• You have a choice to either just report the incident or to lay a formal charge. Be sure to ask for a reference number and a case number.

Some useful contact numbers for further information and support:

Lifeline - 0800-150-150

Childline - 08000 55 555

Powa - 083 765 1235