Response to rape , other sexual crimes

RAPE and other sexual crimes continue to be among the biggest issues affecting women and children in Zimbabwe. A mere glance into mainstream media will show many reports involving acts of sexual violence being committed on a regular basis. The Herald has in the last month reported cases involving a man raping a minor in a kraal, a Bikita man murdering a sex worker, a maid infecting a minor child with HIV and a landlord molesting his three year old daughter only to name a few.

Recently, Sierra Leone declared a national emergency over sexual and gender based violence following a statistical report which showed that the number of recorded cases of rape and assault had doubled over the last year. It was added that a guilty charge for sexual penetration of minors shall be punishable by life imprisonment.

Our neighbours in South Africa have also made a statement against the increasing reports of crimes of a sexual nature wherein it was declared that this has become a national crisis and called for men to unite against rape and sexual assault. It is self evident that one of the most important remedies to sexual crimes lies in society’s attitude towards women.

As has been stated earlier, sexual violence continues to find common place in the lives of many women and children. It is important therefore to understand the steps that can be taken after one has been sexually assaulted. Here is a list of actions that one may take should they find themselves victim to sexual violence; Many people are of the assumption that after experiencing any form of sexual violence particularly rape or aggravated indecent assault, the first point of contact is the police station. Rape comes with many different consequences to the human body which include transmission of disease, fracturing of bones and pregnancy among others and it is more important that those issues be dealt with before any form of legal intervention is taken. People who are victims of sexual crimes should therefore visit a clinic or a hospital to receive post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours because it will protect the person from receiving the HIV virus. The health care providers will also administer a pill which helps prevent pregnancy. These pills both work only if they are taken 72 hours after the sexual violence has occurred and it is most important that this time limit be complied with because after 72 hours, both these drugs cease to be effective. The requirement that one has to have a reference from the police before they receive medical treatment for sexual assault no longer exists in Zimbabwe. Visit the nearest hospital and clinic so that any complications can be given the immediate medical attention that they deserve.

Preserve evidence

If the intention is to make a report to the police station (which is encouraged) then there will be need to show evidence of the alleged attack to both the police and the court. It must be noted that it is compulsory at law to report sexual crimes which involve minors (children under the age of 18).

Because rape is a crime which has the potential to result in the accused person’s imprisonment if they are found guilty, it is important to have evidence that gives the court the full picture of how the assault transpired as these attacks usually happen far from other people’s eyes for instance if there is any fluid human residue on any item of clothing such as underwear, it will aid in the quality of proof that the state will have against the accused person.

Tell a person you can trust

Finding a third party whom you can trust with the information is important to the healing journey that one takes after experiencing sexual violence. This person can be a family member, a friend or any other person in whom you trust.

Report to the police

If a person who is a victim of sexual violence wishes to make a police report and take the legal route, they are encouraged to report to the nearest police station where the assault happened. The report should be through a special police division called the Victim Friendly Unit which is only occupied by officers who have had added training in dealing with issues of sexual and domestic violence. The person who is making the report has the right to choose whether they are comfortable reporting through a male or a female Victim Friend Unit officer.

When making a report, it is important that one gives a detailed account of what happened including their surroundings. It is not beneficial to a person’s case to leave out information in hopes that it will be used as a dramatic revelation in court because the court is bound by the information provided in the police report and the state outline which is drafted by the Prosecutor. There is also an option to go to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to make a report of any gender imbalances which includes sexual crimes. Psycho-social support

Rape and other sexual crimes by their very nature result in consequences far beyond the physical body. There are psychological and social effects that negatively impact the life of the survivor. It is encouraged that survivors of sexual crimes seek counselling services through trusted service providers such as organisations, the church or the hospital. Surviving sexual violence is a journey that includes healing both the body and the mind and each step is vital in its own right.

Danai Chirawu: For feedback questions and comments please feel free to email zwla@zwla.co.zw or to phone our hotline number on +263782 900 900/+263776 673 873 or our toll free on 08080131 and land line(s) +263242 708491/+2630242 706676