Support After Rape or Sexual Assault

If you are in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If the assault happened in the last 72 hours, go to a Thuthuzela Care Centre or hospital now for medicine that helps prevent HIV and pregnancy. For support any time, call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

What happened to you was not your fault. Whatever you did or did not do, it was not your fault. It is common to feel fine one day and fall apart the next, and to wonder if you will ever feel like yourself again. You can, and you do not have to do it alone.

What is happening

After rape or sexual assault there are usually three things running at the same time: your body, your mind and, if you opened a case, the legal process.

Your body. If you were given medicine to prevent HIV (PEP), it only works if you finish the full course, usually about a month. Side effects like nausea and tiredness are common and often ease. Go back to the clinic or Thuthuzela Care Centre for follow-up HIV and STI tests and a pregnancy test, even if you feel well.

Your mind. Shock, numbness, fear, shame, anger, trouble sleeping, flashbacks and not wanting to be touched are all common reactions. Some people feel them right away, others weeks later. Trauma counselling helps, and it is free at many NGOs and Thuthuzela Care Centres.

The legal process. If you opened a case, you have the right to know what is happening. Keep your case number and the investigating officer's name. Many courts have court preparation officers who explain what will happen and support you on the day. If you have not reported and want to later, you can still do so: there is no time limit to report rape to the police.

Signs to notice

• You keep reliving it or have nightmares.
• You feel dirty, ashamed or blame yourself.
• You avoid people, places or touch that remind you of it.
• You find it hard to eat, sleep or go to work or school.
• You are drinking or using drugs to get through.
• You feel hopeless or think about ending your life.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111 if you are in danger, or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 if you are thinking of ending your life.

• Are you in danger now, or thinking of ending your life?
• Is the person who hurt you still able to reach you?
• Did you stop your PEP medicine or miss a follow-up visit?
• Are flashbacks or nightmares happening most days?
• Are you drinking or using drugs to cope?
• Have you not told anyone you trust yet?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now. Otherwise keep going with your medicine and follow-ups, and keep one trusted person close.
2-3 yes: You are carrying a lot. Call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 this week to arrange counselling and follow-up.
4 or more yes: Please reach out today. Call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428. If you are in danger call 10111. If you have thoughts of ending your life call 0800 567 567.

What you can do next

• Today: If you are on PEP, take today's dose and set a reminder. Choose one person you trust and tell them as much or as little as you want.
• This week: Book or confirm your follow-up visit. Ask for counselling at the Thuthuzela Care Centre, clinic or an NGO. If the person can still reach you, ask about a protection order at the magistrate's court.
• This month: Keep going with counselling. If you have a court case, ask for court preparation support and keep a note of dates and names.
• Staying safe on your phone: if someone may check your phone, read this in a private or incognito tab, clear your browser history, or use a trusted friend's phone.
• You choose who to tell and how much. You do not owe anyone the details.

Your tool

Trusted Contacts Card - helps you list the few people and services you can call on hard days, saved in a way that is quick to reach and private.

When to get professional help

Get professional help if reactions are strong or last more than a few weeks, if you cannot eat, sleep or work, or if you are drinking or using to cope. Get help at once if you think about ending your life.
Who can help: counsellor, psychologist, social worker, doctor, nurse, Legal Aid SA, emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

• Thuthuzela Care Centres: one-stop centres, mostly at public hospitals, for medical care, counselling and help with the police case.
• GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428, 24/7): counselling and referrals for survivors of gender-based violence.
• SAPS (10111): to report, now or later. Ask for a Victim Friendly Room and for the investigating officer's details.
• Clinics and public hospitals: PEP, follow-up tests and referral to counselling.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): confidential counselling any time.
• Childline (116): if you are under 18, or worried about a child.