Government’s commitment to improve justice services to victims of sexual
offences in Thuthuzela Care Centres is once again affirmed by a new
donor funded partnership to entrench the successful TCC model as part of
the anti-rape strategy.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Sexual Offences and
Community Affairs Unit (SOCA), in partnership with various state
departments and USAID will be launching the Increasing Services for
Survivors of Sexual Assault Programme (ISSSAP) on Thursday, 28 March
2013, at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Honourable Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff
Radebe will address the launch of the programme which will also be
attended among other dignitaries, the Premier of the province, Dr Zweli
Mkhize.
In 2012, the Foundation of Professional Development (FPD) was granted
funding to support ISSSAP, funded through United States Agency for
International Development (USAID). The aim of ISSSAP is to enhance the
role of the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) in tackling South Africa’s
epidemic of gender based violence and sexual assault.
SOCA established the TCC concept in the country, a one - stop facility as
a critical part of South Africa’s anti- rape strategy, aimed at reducing
secondary victimisation, improving conviction rates and reducing the cycle
time for finalisation of rape cases.
Further, the TCCs ensure that service providers are available to a rape
survivor in one location, rather than the victim being shuttled around
through the criminal justice system.
During the launch, Minister Radebe will challenge every sector of society
and invite delegates and all present to sign the pledge in support of ISSAP
launch.
For enquiries:
Natasha Ramkisson, National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa
Cell: 071 670 0229
E-mail: nramkisson@npa.gov.za
