Much-needed help at the most critical time for rape survivors

At the start of the 16 Days of Activism, LifeLine Krugersdorp wishes to make victims of rape aware of the support that is available to them.

Speaking to the News, LifeLine Krugersdorp’s Director Karina Swart explained that they started with a new service in 2020. They have partnered with the Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Leratong Hospitals to help with psychosocial support to rape victims as well as prepare them for medical examinations.

She said the crisis centres at these hospitals have been operating for a long time but LifeLine received funding from The Networking HIV, AIDS Community of South Africa (NACOSA) to start their ‘Turning rape victims into survivors’ programme.

“Because we specialise in counselling it is very important that the victims get the help and emotional support they need after being raped,” she said and added that even if they do not want to open a case they would help them.

“The first 72 hours is the most critical time to report a rape,” she said.

Once at the crisis centre the victims will receive trauma containment where they will be helped to deal with the emotions they are experiencing. They will receive debriefing and counselling, access to medical care and practical support, referrals to relevant stakeholders and follow-up.

The Dr Yusuf Dadoo crisis centre is open from 07:00 to 17:00 seven days a week and the Leratong crisis centre is open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

If you have been a victim of rape first make sure you are safe, try not to shower or change, keep any evidence, go to a crisis centre and then to the police.

Karina also said victims can go straight to the police station where they will also receive help.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity or contact that you do not agree to. Rape is a sexual assault where there is penetration of the private parts or mouth by any part of the other person’s body or with a object. Sexual assault is a crime even if you are a sex worker, were using drugs and alcohol at the time, or if you are in a relationship with the person who raped you. You do not have to report it to the police to get medical services.

Karina believes there are many cases on the West Rand that are not reported, and they encourage victims to make use of the services available to them.

“It is so important that they get the physical care and emotional support they need.”

As always the LifeLine crisis line will be available on 0861 322 322. LifeLine aims to cultivate emotional wellness in individuals and communities.

A trained counsellor is available every day to offer support and guidance pertaining to abuse, relationships, trauma, addictions, personal crises and more. All their calls are confidential and anonymous.

They also offer face-to-face counselling.

If you want to help LifeLine with comfort packs for rape victims you can phone them on 011 665 2281.