While many of us hear about the growing number of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents that have happened within our communities, have we ever considered how we would respond to witnessing or experiencing such an incident?

Mediclinic Southern Africa Head of Emergency Medicine Dr Melanie Stander shares some clinical and practical guidance for individuals and community members to ensure that survivors of such violence are quickly assisted, and that the best possible evidence can be obtained against the perpetrators.

What to do if you are sexually assaulted:

  • Go to a safe place and tell someone you trust what has happened, if you feel comfortable to do so.
  • Consider going to a specialist centre like a Thuthuzela Care Centre, which is geared to help you, or a care facility for medical treatment.
  • You do not need to go to a police station first.
  • Whilst it is advisable that you do lay a charge, you do not have to lay a charge at a police station in order to receive treatment at a healthcare facility.
  • Do not shower or wash your clothes – pack up your clothes in a bag if you wish to change. The hospital or clinical centre can help gather evidence (even if you decide not to lay a charge).
  • Prioritise your own medical care. Even if you are not badly physically injured, it is important to get psychological support after such an experience.
  • Medical treatment can assist with concerns such as pregnancy, HIV and other STDs.

Important things to know about your personal rights:

  • There is no time limit on reporting rape or assault – but the sooner the better.
  • No police station can turn you away because of a delay from the time of the incident.
  • By allowing your medical team to collect evidence, you are making your case stronger when you choose to act against the perpetrator.

Where can I (or a loved one) go for help?

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, run by the Social Development Department, operates a national, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Call Centre facility. The facility employs social workers who are responsible for call-taking and call referrals.

  • Contact the Call Centre on 0800 428 428.
  • A “please call me” facility: *120*7867# option is available.
  • Members of the deaf community can use the Skype Line ‘Helpme GBV’.
  • Persons with disabilities can SMS ‘help’ to 31531.
  • Calls can be referred directly to SAPS (10111) and field social workers.
  • There are over 50 Thuthuzela Care Centres across South Africa.

How can I support a loved one or friend?

  • Listen to their story and believe them.
  • Be patient and compassionate with them.
  • Support them to make their own decisions as they have been in a traumatic situation where their control was taken away from them.
  • Empathise and be aware of myths, perceptions and judgement around rape.
  • If you, as the helper, feel overwhelmed and unable to provide support then seek assistance.
  • Be aware that you have the power to influence the outcome of this person’s trauma. Do not contribute to their trauma through insensitive attitudes or behaviour.

How is Mediclinic supporting victims of GBV?

  • Mediclinic operates a number of GBV-support centres within the Cape Winelands area, including Mediclinic Stellenbosch, Mediclinic Paarl and Mediclinic Worcester. Four hospitals in the northern suburbs – Panorama, Louis Leipoldt, Cape Gate and Durbanville – will soon offer the same support.
  • Clinical teams in the Emergency Centres at these Mediclinic hospitals have been trained to receive victims and to treat and assist them through this process.
  • We will be expanding these services across the Western Cape in the near future, ensuring even greater access to the right care for all who experience this trauma. More information will be made available as and when we launch new centres.

The first step in healing is seeking help. The first 72 hours are vital.