How to get help if you have been sexually assaulted
During police minister, Bheki Cele's visit in Mpumalanga on December 15, he announced that rape statistics have increased. #Festive2020
According to the SAPS, if you are sexually assaulted there are few things to consider. Firstly, every victim responds differently; no response is unusual or unnatural. Remember that there is always someone to help you.
There are victim support programmes, psychologists, counsellors, healthcare or social workers, your employers, friends, family or fellow church members.
“No one has the right to force you to partake in any sexual activity, no matter what your relationship with this person is,” it states on www.saps.gov.za.
Here are six things to consider:
• Report the crime to the police straight away: go to the station or phone 10111.
• Do not bath or change your clothes after an attack.
• Keep all the evidence so that it can be used by the police for further investigation.
• Submission is not consent.
• Try to remember what the attacker looks like; his age, race, height, hair colour, scars, tattoos, clothes, his voice or jewellery.
• Ask the police official dealing with your case to recommend someone to help you. This is just in case you have no friends or family to assist. This also applies if you prefer to speak to a professional.
Source: www.saps.gov.za
