PROJECT: PRACTICAL STEPS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW AFTER A S*XUAL ASSAULT

Aug 12
7 min read

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WARNING:

**This article contains information about s*xual violence.**

Its purpose is to educate and assist victims and their families in making informed decisions

during one of the most traumatic experiences imaginable.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

R*pe is not a crime committed only against women.

Men can also be victims of r*pe, including adult men who may appear strong, independent or unlikely to become victims. Equally vulnerable are elderly people and children, who may be targeted because perpetrators

perceive them as unable to defend themselves or report the crime.

Regardless of age, gender or circumstances, r*pe is a serious crime, the victim is never to blame,

and every victim deserves immediate medical care, protection, professional support and access to justice.

R*pe is one of the most devastating crimes committed against any person.

Beyond the physical injuries, victims often experience profound psychological trauma, fear, shame, anger,

confusion and self-blame. Many survivors hesitate to report the crime because they fear they will not be believed

or because they are overwhelmed by the emotional consequences.

Specialised Security Services (SSS) wants every woman in South Africa to know one important fact:

If you have been raped, what you do during the first few hours can significantly improve your medical care,

your safety, and the chances of identifying and prosecuting the offender.

None of these steps are easy.

However, understanding them before tragedy strikes may help save critical evidence

and ensure that victims receive the care they deserve.

STEP 1:

GET TO A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY:

Your first priority is your personal safety.
If the attacker is still nearby:
- Leave immediately if possible.
- Go to a trusted friend, neighbour or family member.
- Enter a public place where people are present.
- Call SAPS or emergency services.
- If injured, call an ambulance immediately.
Never return to confront the attacker.

STEP 2:

SEEK MEDICAL HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Many injuries after r*pe are not immediately visible.
Medical professionals can:
- Treat internal injuries.
- Prevent infections.
- Administer emergency contraception where appropriate.
- Provide medication to reduce the risk of HIV infection through Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
- Test for sexually transmitted infections.
- Offer counselling referrals.
- Collect forensic evidence.
Time is critical.
PEP is most effective when started within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of reducing the risk of infection.

STEP 3:

TRY TO PRESERVE EVIDENCE:

This is extremely difficult because many victims instinctively want to wash themselves.
However, if possible, before medical examination:
Do not:
- Shower.
- Bathe.
- Wash your hands.
- Brush your teeth.
- Wash your hair.
- Change clothing.
- Wash clothing.
- Clean the crime scene.
If you already changed clothes:
- Place the clothes worn during the assault into a clean paper bag if available.
- If a paper bag is unavailable, use a clean bag rather than leaving the clothing loose.
- Do not wash them.
Even if you have already showered or changed clothes, still report the assault.
Valuable forensic and other evidence may still be available.

STEP 4:

REPORT THE CRIME TO SAPS:

R*pe is a serious criminal offence.
Reporting the matter promptly allows investigators to:
- secure the crime scene,
- identify witnesses,
- obtain CCTV footage before it is overwritten,
- recover DNA evidence,
- trace suspects quickly,
- prevent further attacks on other victims.
If possible:
- Take someone you trust with you.
- Request assistance from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit where available.
- Ask for the case number before leaving.
- Record the investigating officer's name, rank and contact details.

STEP 5:

REQUEST A MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

A qualified healthcare practitioner performs the forensic examination.
The purpose is to:
- document injuries,
- collect DNA evidence,
- record findings objectively,
- assist the criminal investigation.
The examination is important even if:
- there are no visible injuries,
- penetration did not occur,
- the victim delayed reporting,
- the victim knows the offender,
- the victim believes there may be insufficient evidence.

STEP 6:

WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU REMEMBER:

Trauma affects memory.
As soon as possible write down:
- time,
- location,
- description of the attacker,
- clothing,
- tattoos,
- accents,
- vehicle details,
- names,
- conversations,
- weapons used,
- sequence of events.
Small details often become extremely important later.

STEP 7:

SAVE DIGITAL EVIDENCE:

Modern investigations frequently depend upon electronic evidence.
Preserve:
- WhatsApp messages,
- SMS messages,
- emails,
- photographs,
- videos,
- social media messages,
- GPS locations,
- ride-hailing records,
- cellphone call history.
Never delete communications from the suspect.

STEP 8:

SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

S*xual assault frequently causes:
- anxiety,
- depression,
- panic attacks,
- nightmares,
- post-traumatic stress,
- fear of relationships,
- self-blame.
These reactions are common responses to trauma.
Professional counselling, trauma therapy, support groups and trusted family members can all play an important role in recovery.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

STEP 9:

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

Victims have important rights under South African law, including:
- to be treated with dignity and respect,
- to receive emergency medical treatment,
- to have the matter investigated,
- to provide a victim impact statement where appropriate,
- to receive information regarding the progress of the case,
- to request protection where necessary.
Victims should never be discouraged from reporting s*xual offences.

STEP 10:

DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF:

One of the greatest tragedies following r*pe is that many survivors wrongly believe they caused the assault.
This is false.
Rape is never caused by:
- clothing,
- alcohol consumption,
- previous relationships,
- being alone,
- accepting a lift,
- visiting someone's home,
- dating the offender,
- marriage,
- withdrawing consent after intimacy has begun.
Responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

COMMON MYTHS:

1. "I know the attacker, so it isn't really r*pe."

False.
Many s*xual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, including partners, acquaintances, colleagues or family members.

2. "There were no injuries."

False.
Many victims have little or no visible injury.

3. "If I waited several days, it is too late."

False.
Although early reporting helps preserve evidence, delayed reporting can still lead to successful investigations and prosecutions.

4. "Nobody will believe me."

False.
Every report should be investigated professionally and fairly based on the available evidence.

HOW FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN HELP:

If someone tells you she has been r*ped:
- Believe her without making assumptions.
- Ensure she is safe.
- Encourage prompt medical care.
- Help her report the crime if she wishes.
- Do not pressure her into repeatedly describing the assault.
- Preserve potential evidence where possible.
- Continue offering practical and emotional support in the weeks and months that follow.
A calm, supportive response can make a significant difference to a survivor's recovery.

S*xual violence destroys lives, families and communities.

Every survivor deserves compassion, professional medical care and access to justice.

No woman should face the aftermath of rape alone or be made to feel responsible for the crime committed against her.

Specialised Security Services urges all South Africans to learn these practical steps, support survivors without judgment,

and encourage the prompt reporting of sexual offences.

Early medical attention, careful preservation of evidence and timely reporting can strengthen investigations

and improve the prospects of holding offenders accountable.

If you or someone you know has been r*ped, seek immediate medical assistance, report the crime to

the South African Police Service, and make use of professional counselling and victim-support services.

Acting quickly can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services (SSS) remain committed to educating the public,

supporting victims of serious crime, and promoting safer communities through awareness,

prevention and professional investigation where appropriate.

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