University of the Free State stands in solidarity with rape survivors

As South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the University of the Free State Department of Protection Services also joins the clarion call for an end to violence – especially rape.

Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison in Protection Services, said it is unfortunate that rape has tragically become the standard in our daily lives across the country. It is regrettable that we need to develop strategies for defending ourselves against such traumatic events.

“Rape or sexual assault is a harmful act directed at individuals based on their gender and is increasing at an alarming rate in South Africa. Increasing pervasiveness of such incidents is a worrying factor, especially because evidence points out that cases of rape and all related issues of violence and abuse are a major underreported matter,” said Van Jaarsveld.

Any case of rape can be reported to any UFS Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT) role player, such as the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office, Protection Services, or any other university staff member, who must then report it via the SORT procedures.

A survivor’s statement

Statements for criminal proceedings may only be taken by authorised officials in accordance with the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) rules and regulations. To avoid compromising the criminal justice system and risking the dismissal of charges or the conviction of offenders, statements for internal disciplinary matters will be obtained by SAPS or taken by a trained member of Protection Services.

Tshepong Thuthuzela Care Centre

Within the first 72 hours after being raped, the survivor may visit the Tshepong Thuthuzela Care Centre to receive prophylaxis medication. This is followed by facilitating the necessary processes of the South African Police Service.
Survivors can visit the centre without reporting the incident to the SAPS. This means that the formal medical examination is still being done, and the centre will reserve the forensic crime kit for three months in case the survivor decides to pursue a criminal complaint at a later stage.

Holistic support for the survivor

SORT coordinators are responsible for arranging trauma counselling once a survivor reports a rape. “In the event that a student feels unsafe or needs to relocate, alternative arrangements can be made for on-campus accommodation, or the survivor can make arrangements with their landlord.

“In cases where academics are affected, the coordinator refers the student to the Social Support Office to arrange with the faculty that the student rewrite or resubmit assignments that might be due,” added Van Jaarsveld.