Rape is one of the prevalent crimes in South Africa, with horrifying statistics growing each day. You may be shocked to learn that even the stomach-churning stats you see in the news don’t accurately reflect the extent of this crime in South Africa – or perhaps you wouldn’t be. Perhaps you, like thousands of other victims every year, are afraid or unwilling to report your rape for a multitude of valid reasons.
According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), only one in 13 rape cases are reported. This eye-opening article from eNCA news gives insight into the problem with rape statistics in South Africa and provides insight into why police can do so little about this crime.
In this chilling account from Health24, it’s clear that our country’s police force often doesn’t know how to deal with rape victims in a caring and compassionate way. Worse, some police officers don’t take victims seriously. For these reasons and those listed below, countless people simply decide not to report this violent crime and instead suffer in silence.
Read more: Where and how to share your sexual abuse story.
Why victims don’t report their rape to the police
- Fear of not being believed, especially if the rapist is older, more powerful or respected in the community.
- Fear of humiliation by family, the police, friends, colleagues or others. Society tends to blame victims, especially female victims, or to emasculate male victims of rape.
- Fear of retaliation by their rapist if he finds out he’s been reported, especially if he isn’t arrested and punished.
- Fear of their (the victim’s) family being endangered if the rape is reported.
- The victim is unsure of whether the sexual act actually constituted rape or not. Read more: Consensual sex or rape: How to know the difference.
- Damaging, incorrect and sexist cultural beliefs that it’s the victim’s ‘fault’, or that anyone who gets raped ‘deserved it’ or ‘asked for it’ – none of these are true, and no victim ever deserves to be assaulted in any way, regardless of any circumstances or factors.
- If the perpetrator is someone the victim knows or regularly spends time with, they may not want to report him for fear of ‘hurting’ him or damaging his employment prospects, reputation, etc.
- Lack of faith in the ability of the justice system to properly punish the perpetrator.
- Man denying he raped his victim, and people believing him and not his victim.
- Sexual assault is often perpetrated by men that the victim knows and loves, and who they don’t want to report, especially if they are dependent on him.
Read more about how to report a rape. This article provides important information you should know when reporting sexual assault. Remember: you never have to report a rape or sexual assault; it’s 100% your decision.
Support is available at Marie Stopes
Whether or not you want to report your rape, you’ll always find a caring a supportive ear at Marie Stopes. We’re here to listen, support and help you in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Find your nearest Marie Stopes centre and make an appointment online. You’ll always be treated with dignity, privacy and without judgement at every Marie Stopes centre.