Sexual offence crimes are serious offences covered by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act 32 of 2007). This law protects anyone—regardless of age or gender—who is a victim of sexual violence or exploitation.
Examples of sexual offence crimes include:
- Rape: Forcing someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent. Also includes compelled rape—forcing someone to rape another person.
- Sexual assault: Any form of sexual contact without consent. Includes compelled sexual assault—forcing someone to witness or perform sexual acts.
- Sexual grooming: When someone prepares or manipulates a child or a person with a mental disability to perform or witness sexual acts. This often happens over time and may involve building trust or offering rewards.
- Incest: Sexual activity between family members who are legally not allowed to marry, even if both consent.
- Child pornography: Using children in pornographic material in any form, including images, videos or live performances.
- Child prostitution: Involving children or people with mental disabilities in sexual acts for money, goods, or other rewards—including exposing them to pornography.
Important
Anyone can be a victim of a sexual offence. Victims are not to blame and have the right to protection, support, and justice.
You can learn more on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
A helpful booklet, Victims of rape and other sexual crimes, includes contact details of shelters and services for survivors.
How to report sexual offences
If you or someone you know is a victim of a sexual offence, you can report it in the following ways:
- Go to your nearest police station and ask to speak to an officer in a private space. Police officers are trained to handle sexual offence cases and will help open a case.
- You may request assistance from a female officer, or a designated Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit officer, if available.
- If you are in immediate danger, call SAPS emergency services: 10111 (toll-free, available 24/7)
- You can also seek support at a Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) — one-stop facilities where victims receive medical care, counselling, and legal support.
