Raped – what happens next?

In view of the recent attacks and prevalent incidents of rape in the area, Northern News decided to take a look at the necessary steps that must be taken by victims after such an attach. If the proper process is followed in reporting a rape case, it makes the subsequent investigation thereof more effective, writes Amanda Basson.
A rape victim should be taken to the police station as soon as possible. If at all possible the victim should not bath or clean him-/herself after the incident. This is to ensure that possible evidence that might still be present on the victim is not destroyed. If the victim needs to urinate the toilet paper that he/she used can be kept for investigative purposes.
At the police station the victim should be interviewed privately and sensitively. The victim might feel uncomfortable talking to a police official alone and he/she may ask somebody to accompany them during the interview, as long as that person is not also a victim.
It is important to remember that the first person who was informed of the offence will also be treated as a witness and will be required to give a statement regarding the victim’s physical appearance and state of mind after the incident.
The victim will be taken to a government doctor for examination and to receive anti-retro viral medicine to minimise the chances of contracting HIV/Aids. The victim’s clothing and underwear may be taken for investigation, especially if it is a recent incident.
The Investigating Officer in the case can ask the victim to escort them to the scene of crime in order to collect further evidence or to take photographs. If the perpetrator is known and positively linked to the crime he/she will be arrested and the victim will be required to testify in court about the incident. If the suspect is unknown the victim could be asked to identify him/her in an identification parade.
Police officials are trained to deal with rape victims in an extremely sensitive
manner and it is important for family members to assist victims with finding proper counselling after they have undergone such a traumatic experience.
The following institutions can be contacted in the Lephalale area to assist in dealing with a rape case:

South African Police Service:
014 762 1000.
Dr Susan Rothmann Lyons: 073 218 5422
Dr Karel Botha: 014 763 2854
Marlene Fourie-Smith: 014 763 6430 / 072 246 0767
Crime Stop Helpline: 0800 11 12 13.