This is a shocking incident which once again brings to the fore the urgent need to deal with the horrendous crime of rape and abuse of women and children in our society. The issue of abuse of women and children is a key priority for our ministry and plans are being finalised to mobilise all South Africans to act against abuse.
There is a package of services that has been put in place by government to support survivor of sexual violence. The Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities is there to monitor that these victim empowerment services are delivered to all women and children in times of need.
These include:
- treatment of victims with dignity and respect when they report cases
- ensuring that suspects are urgently apprehended to minimise the chances of further victimisation
- provision of health services including prevention of pregnancy and HIV infection through antiretroviral therapy’
- counselling and other psycho-social services.
We have to monitor that officials in the Police, Justice, Health and Social Development deliver these services to women and girl children who have unfortunately fallen victims of rape and other forms of abuse. It is encouraging that medical and social work services were provided to assist this 15 year old girl.
The allegation that some teachers learnt of this incident and did not take appropriate action is most disturbing and it is in violation of the law. The Children’s Act requires all people in positions of authority who suspect that child abuse may be taking place to report such incidents and this includes teachers. We welcome the investigation by the Department of Education into this matter.
Police have been in contact with the girl, the family and the school and we are confident that they are going to act swiftly to bring all the perpetrators of this horrendous crime to book.
The availability of what is termed Date-Rape-Drug (Rohypnol) to young people is also of grave concern to the ministry. This drug is classified as a schedule six tablet, and therefore can only be obtained with a prescription mainly as a sleeping tablet. As we move towards the festive season, we have to ensure that young girls do not fall victims of rape using this drug. We need to increase awareness about the risk of this drug and protect young women.
In two weeks, we will be launching the 16 Days of Activism Campaign on No Violence against Women and Children. The campaign brings together various government departments and civil society organisations in an effort to mobilise all of our society to act against abuse of women and children.
All of us have an obligation to report cases of abuse, to assist the police and social workers in their investigation and to be available to act as witnesses in court to increase probability of a conviction. I hope everyone who witnessed the violation of the rights of this young girl will assist the law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with this matter.
For women and children to enjoy security and comfort, let us make sure that every rapist is put behind bars.
