Advice on how to escape from sexual abuse

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that runs from November 25 until December 10. As the world shines a spotlight on GBV, the Berea Mail highlights various organisations working to assist those in need. This week, we talk to Gloria de Gee, director of the Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre. She shares tips on how to identify and address sexual abuse.

THE Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (UCEC) is a non-profit organisation that offers professional services to the community, with a team of social workers and psychologists available to assist survivors of sexual assault.

“Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity whereby the perpetrator uses force, makes threats, takes advantage of a victim against their will, or sexually abuses a victim for money,” said de Gee.

She encouraged victims to report abuse.

“Opening a case at a police station is very important for justice to take its course. UCEC can assist victims with opening a case. We also provide referrals to the relevant departments for victims,” said de Gee.

Also read: Detectives call on community to help solve rape case

How to report abuse

During counselling, UCEC advises victims on how to report sexual abuse and what to expect in court. De gee shared a few steps for victims to consider:

1. Get to a safe place.
2. Call the police to report abuse.
3. Call a rape crisis organisation for assistance.
3. Seek immediate medical care to check for injury, prevent STI’s and pregnancy. Avoid washing before going to the doctor or hospital as this will help the healthcare professional to collect evidence of abuse.
4. Write down the details of the attack: what happened, what the attacker looked like, what they were wearing, and what they said. Take note if they had any tattoos on their body.

Signs of sexual abuse in children

In cases where a child is being abused, it is important for a parent, guardian or educator to assist the child in reporting abuse.

Also read: 356 life sentences handed down to 266 sexual offences perpetrators

“Most abusers are known to the children, such as family members or people known by the family. Please take note of a family member that is too close to your child or takes them to the park often,” said de Gee.

Signs of abuse include:
1. Children become less talkative.
2. Children display strange or unusual behaviour.
3. Physical signs, such as bruises or discharge.
4. Children wetting the bed or having nightmares

De Gee noted that adults can experience similar symptoms, including behaviour changes, emotional stress, deep depression, anxiety, self blame, low self-esteem, self isolation, suicide, trauma, anger, and insomnia.
“UCEC hosts a support group to assist survivors of sexual abuse. This includes online education and invitations to talks on abuse,” said de Gee.

Safety tips

“We host self defense classes to empower our women against sexual abuse,” said de Gee. She shared these safety tips:
1. Be aware of your surroundings all the times.
2. If a person touches your body and says it is a secret, report them
3. Keep emergency numbers on speed dial.

Call 073 114 8969 or visit the UCEC office at 16 Mona Road, central Durban.

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