Experiencing a sexual assault is without doubt one of the most intrusive, disempowering and traumatic experiences. For survivors of this abhorrent crime, the ordeal is often exacerbated by the indifference or mismanagement they experience when trying to access care and support afterwards. In South Africa, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the fear of possibly becoming infected as a result of the violation, add significant stress to survivors.
Netcare established the first private sexual assault centre in South Africa in 1998 at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. There are now Netcare sexual assault centres integrated into emergency departments at the group’s hospitals across the country, providing quality multi-faceted treatment and sensitive support free of charge to all survivors of sexual assault.
A multi-disciplinary team approach is followed in the management of survivors of sexual assault. The support provided is emotional, psychological, medical, physical, sanitary (shower facility and dignity pack) and administrative; all aimed at restoring dignity through compassion and ensuring absolute confidentiality.
The service to survivors of sexual assault assists in reinforcing Netcare’s values of care, dignity, participation, truth and passion amongst staff, as well as the Netcare Way of treating all those people whose lives we touch with professionalism, dignity and compassion.
The holistic approach to treatment and care introduced by Netcare in conjunction with its project partners provides survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones with the support to enable them to begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives.
Support offered to survivors of sexual assault
Survivors of sexual assault (women, men and children) may present at a Netcare emergency department on their own, via ambulance, or accompanied by the SAPS.
Patients are made to feel cared for and comfortable on arrival. They are taken to a private, self-contained room with en-suite bathroom facilities and are treated with dignity and respect at all times. Each patient is given a dignity pack tailored to their specific needs, which could including toiletries, underwear and clothes if required. They are able to shower and dress as soon as the forensic evidence has been obtained. This intervention is of great significance to the survivors.
Medical professionals at Netcare’s sexual assault centres work closely with the SAPS by undertaking the forensic examination, with evidence preservation, and encouraging and facilitating the process for survivors to report the incident to the SAPS and press charges.
Emergency medical treatment is provided to patients with physical injuries, and appropriate on-going medical treatment and psychological support for survivors in need of further management are facilitated.
Advice and counselling are given to survivors at the same time about possible conditions that may arise as a result of the assault so they can receive the appropriate post exposure medication to mitigate the risk of them contracting HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or an unwanted pregnancy.
Blood tests are also performed to obtain a baseline HIV status which will determine further management of the patient. If the results are negative, the patient is provided with a full 28 day prophylactic ARV course. The ‘morning after’ pill to prevent possible pregnancy is also given as well as a course of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing possible STDs. HIV blood test monitoring of patients who were HIV negative before the assault, continues for a full year post exposure.
Netcare was the first private service provider in South Africa to routinely provide survivors with prophylactic medication to prevent them contracting HIV as a result of their violation.
If the patient tests positive for HIV, they are given medication for STDs and the ’morning after’ pill, and are also then referred to an HIV clinic for on-going HIV management.
Counselling is offered to survivors and their loved ones, to help them overcome the emotional trauma experienced as a result of their violation. This service is provided by the NGOs which partner Netcare in its initiative. In the case of child victims, Netcare works closely with organisations such as The Teddy Bear and Rainbow clinics.
Victims of chronic assault are referred to appropriate facilities for on-going treatment and counselling.
Survivors are encouraged to report the crime to the SAPS and press charges and are supported in this process if they choose to do so. Medical personnel are compelled by law to report any sexual assault of minors to the SAPS.