On an average weekend the Rape Survivors Support Group (RSSG) deals with more than 10 rape cases in Grahamstown. The support group aims to help rape victims become rape survivors by providing support.
On an average weekend the Rape Survivors Support Group (RSSG) deals with more than 10 rape cases in Grahamstown. The support group aims to help rape victims become rape survivors by providing support.
“The RSSG is very special as it relies on volunteers to provide a service at the police station, at hospital and later at court,” said Ann Harris, director of Famsa Grahamstown and an RSSG committee member.
When a rape is reported at the police station, a statement is taken. An RSSG volunteer will then accompany the victim to the hospital, where they will be examined by a doctor, have DNA samples collected and receive ARVs.
They are given toiletries and clean clothing to restore some comfort and dignity. The victims then show the RSSG volunteer and a detective the scene of the attack and, if they are able, will identify the suspect.
Some of the volunteers have been trained to counsel survivors through the process. If possible, volunteers also visit survivors and accompany them to court.
Rape survivors who do not wish to press charges against their attacker can still report the rape to the police station and seek the assistance of the RSSG.
Men and boys can also use the service if they are raped. However, none have come forward this year. “A lot of men will not open cases,” said Sergeant Gaye McKenzie, citing pride as the reason for their silence.
However, the centre is currently training its first male volunteer. Despite its close relationship with the SAPF, the RSSG is not a police run facility and is funded by donations and the Department of Social Development.
McKenzie serves on the RSSG committee and acts as a coordinator between the police and the centre. The seven volunteers who run the centre are assisted by Rhodes University psychology Masters students and are available 24 hours a day.
Prof Beverly Wilson, committee member, said the centre was started to improve communication between the hospital and police station in the hopes that more victims would come forward.
Because of their reluctance to report rapes, police do not know where they occur. The system is also marred by the fact that many women open rape dockets only to withdraw them when the perpetrator offers them money or the two reconcile.
“People, especially women, need to take responsibility,” said McKenzie. “If you go clubbing make sure you have someone to walk you home.
Your safety is your responsibility too. A lot of rapes are liquor related,” she said The RSSG can be contacted via the Beaufort street SAPF station or in case of emergency via McKenzie on 082 374 0937 which can be phoned 24 hours a day.
