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| ORGANISATION: | MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERS (MSF) |
| AREA: | KHAYLEITSHA, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE |
| GRANT PERIOD: | 2004 - 2007 |
| BENEFICIARIES: | 800 PEOPLE PER YEAR |
The incidence of rape in South Africa is amongst the highest in the world. Given that the country also has one of the highest HIV rates, the chances of contracting HIV through rape are very high. EJAF was very keen to support survivors of rape who may have been exposed to HIV and so since 2003/4 has funded a unique programme established by Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) in Khayleitsha, a large township outside Cape Town.
In the past, rape survivors here had to wait by the roadside until police could collect them, take them to a police station to make a statement and then transport them to a hospital for examination and treatment. This process could take hours for a traumatised and injured victim. As a result, many elected not to report the crime.
The Simelela Rape Survivors Clinic is a dedicated 24hr acute rape centre with all services located under one roof. Clinic staff can bring survivors to the Centre, or they can walk in off the street day or night and receive treatment. There is special provision for children and, crucially, emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment in case of HIV transmission. As a result:
Staff at the Centre work with local police, clinics and courts to ensure confidentiality is protected and the survivor is supported through the whole process. EJAF is now looking to replicate this model in some of South Africa’s other large townships.