Rape victim starts organisation to help others
“The organisation helps rape victims talk about their experience before they commit suicide but, most importantly, to break the silence.”
A rape victim from Mamelodi wants to help other victims stand up for themselves.
Activist Rinah Semadi (43) of Mamelodi East section 15 has started an organisation aimed at helping rape victims speak up and to get counselling.
Named “Why Me? Your story is my story” the organisation aims to help victims before they harm themselves or become severely depressed.
Semadi said on 14 January, an unknown man forced her into his car and drove her to unfamiliar farm, where he raped her.
“I was on my way to a clinic in Elardus Park,” she said.
Her organisation provides a confidential and free service to all victims including counselling, support groups and referrals for further assistance.
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“The organisation helps rape victims talk about their experience before they commit suicide but, most importantly, to break the silence.”
She said since she started “Why Me?” she helped many rape victims in and around Mamelodi.
Support groups meet Mondays to Thursdays at different venues.
“My wish is to get sponsors so we can help people outside Mamelodi and obtain office space.”
Semadi said victims must always remember that it is not their fault.
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