Rape victims must preserve evidence
Rape victims must ensure they do not destroy critical DNA evidence after being raped, by not showering, changing their clothes or brushing their teeth.
This is critical to preserve the valuable evidence.
Rose Maja, public relations officer at iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre, delivered this message to over 40 school pupils and members of the EMPD, at iThemba, on July 26.
Pupils from Willowmoore High School, Liverpool Secondary School and Dalpark Learning Academy listened to the talk on rape, trauma and bullying.
Maja, who is a rape survivor, said victims need to come forward and report such crimes.
”Don’t let rape be a shame to you; open up, don’t bottle up,” she told the audience.
She said she did not talk to anyone after being raped and hated being in the presence of men.
She said women feel ashamed of themselves and worthless after being raped.
”But, if you have been raped, it is not a shame or your fault,” said Maja.
She asked rape victims to report the crime as soon as possible, to ensure they receive treatment in time to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
The talk was arranged by Maja, Sharol Naidoo (values coordinator at Willowmoore High School) and Sandeepa Ramdass (matric pupil at Benoni High School).
Maja said more educational talks will be held for school children on different topics.
