“Sexual violence remains a scourge in South African society”

Netcare was recently awarded the inaugural 2014 Trialogue Strategic Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Award for the Sexual Assault Centres it operates at 37 Netcare hospitals.

“With the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children having drawn to a close, we as South Africans are left to contemplate the sad reality that sexual violence against women, children and, to a lesser degree men, remains a scourge in our society,” said Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of Netcare.

This new annual award recognises CSI projects in South Africa that exemplify best practice in strategic CSI. Netcare was selected as the overall winner out of 29 entries by 18 companies and corporate foundations.

“For survivors of this abhorrent crime, the ordeal is often exacerbated by the indifference or mismanagement experienced when trying to access care and support after the assault. In South Africa, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the fear of possibly becoming infected as a result of the violation add significant stress to survivors,” said Dr Friedland.

“Netcare’s 37 sexual assault centres, which are integrated into emergency departments at the group’s hospitals, provide survivors with an invaluable service in a time of great need. This includes medical, emotional, psychological support and sanitary care while also assisting with forensic and reporting aspects. We respect the survivors’ right to privacy and therefore maintain strict confidentiality,” he explained.

Netcare remains the only private healthcare provider in South Africa to provide this crucial service on a national and sustained basis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Over 10 000 survivors were assisted at the Netcare Sexual assault Centres between 2001 and 2013. Eighty per cent of the survivors who received free treatment and support were not covered by medical aid and were without the means to pay.

Trialogue is one of the few consultancies in South Africa that focuses exclusively on corporate responsibility issues.

With close to two decades’ experience in the field, Trialogue has become a leading consultancy and publisher, driving development and knowledge within the sustainability and corporate social investment arenas.

According to the judges, there were several highly commendable entries. However, while many of the projects scored highly in one or two categories, Netcare’s programme scored strongly across all areas, which included beneficial impact, stakeholder benefit and competitive advantage. The judges also commended Netcare for sustaining the initiative since its launch in 1998, noting “the initiative is deeply embedded at Netcare and leverages employees and the core business of Netcare. In a societal sense, it has clearly measured outputs and outcomes, and also has a transformative broader impact.”

Dr Friedland commended the dedicated staff members and other healthcare practitioners at Netcare’s sexual assault centres who care for survivors with empathy and professionalism, helping to restore their dignity and empower them on their journey to recovery, as well as to the NGOs that are involved in the programme.

“Our appreciation also goes to Nicky Baltsoucos, the national coordinator of our sexual assault centres and Dr Graham Hutton, the advising medical director for these centres, for their leadership in driving and sustaining this worthy initiative,” he concluded.