Why are our women being raped? Potch, raise your voice

The Potchefstroom Herald reported about seven separate rape incidents throughout the month of August.

A 13-year-old girl was raped three times, by three different men, in two days. A 15-year old girl was also raped. A woman was raped by her husband for an entire weekend. Another woman was raped in the street on her way home.  Furthermore, a 15-year-old, a 51-year-old and a 47-year-old woman were also raped.

These rape incidents are nothing new for Potchefstroom. The Herald previously found statistics saying that nearly five people are raped or sexually abused in Potchefstroom every week.

Since August was Women’s Month, the Potchefstroom Herald wants to hear the voices of the women in Potchefstroom, Ikageng, Promosa, Mohadin and all surrounding areas with regards to rape and the rights and safety of women in our city.

Do you think Potchefstroom’s streets and public places are safe enough for our women? Why do you think our rape statistics are so high?

If you are a woman living in Potchefstroom or the surrounding areas, tell us what you think about the current high incidence of rape in our city by commenting on this post on our Facebook page or our Twitter page. Please use the hashtag #StopPotchRape and share with your Potchefstroom friends. We want to hear your voice!

*If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault in or around Potchefstroom and want to tell us your experience, you can send an e-mail to marianke.saayman@media24.com – you will remain anonymous.