Victim centre pushes 16 Days cause

THE annual 16 Days of Activism sees the Brighton Beach Victim Friendly Facility (BBVFF) hoping to educate communities on the realities of abuse.

“While individuals of both genders are perpetrators of sexual assault, the majority of those who commit sexual assaults are men. Even so, it is important to remember that the vast majority of men are not rapists,” said Bronwyn A Petzer of the BBVFF.

The following guidelines were provided by the centre:

If you see someone in danger of being assaulted:

• Step in and offer assistance – Ask if the person needs help. Before stepping in, be sure to evaluate the risk. If it means putting yourself in danger, call 10111 instead.
• Don’t leave – If you remain at the scene and are a witness, the perpetrator is less likely to do anything.
• If you know the perpetrator, tell them you do not approve of what they are doing. Ask him or her to leave the potential victim alone.

Be an ally:

• When you go to a party, go with a group of friends, arrive together, check in with each other frequently and leave together.
• Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if you are worried about their safety.
• If you see someone who is intoxicated, offer to call a taxi.

If someone you know has been assaulted:

• Listen, be there and don’t be judgmental.
• Be patient – remember it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
• Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual’s power. It is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things they are not ready to do yet.
• Encourage them to report the rape to the SAPS – If they have questions about the criminal justice process, talking with someone at a victim friendly facility can help.
• If your friend is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany them wherever they need to go such as a hospital, police station or campus security.
• Encourage them to contact one of the hotlines or centres. For example: Lifeline, Childline, Bobbi Bear, Jessica Foord Rape Centre. Realise only they can make the decision to get help.

Change the culture:

• There are certain things in our culture that make sexual assault more possible. By speaking out and educating ourselves and others, we can help to decrease the number of sexual assaults.
• Become knowledgeable about the issue and share your knowledge with others.