7 August 2007
As we set our minds and thoughts on celebrating the forthcoming
internationally recognised Women's Day this Thursday, a thought should be
spared for those among our midst, who are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse,
assault and other demeaning acts, including rape, the fairer sex. Much has been
said in various forums, conferences and symposiums locally and internationally.
Being a victim is not a choice but circumstances unfortunately, determine our
fate.
When the rape figures for 2006/07 were compared to those recorded during
2005/06, it was found that rape decreased by 5,2%. While we agree that a single
rape committed and/or reported is one too many, it should be borne in mind that
most rapes are committed mostly in social settings and/or environments, for
instance, within private homes, at work-related functions and public
recreational facilities. It has been found, through an in-depth and thorough
docket analysis, in 76% of rape cases reported, the perpetrator and the victim
were known to each other.
The South African Police Service, through its Investigative Psychology Unit
(IPU), has managed to gather, over a period of time, much needed information on
perpetrator motives, found during analysis of rape incidents. It should be
placed on record that anyone, irrespective of his or her social standing,
gender, race, religious beliefs, creed, age or sexual orientation can be a
potential rape victim. Clear understanding of the following underlying motives
by potential rapists might prevent someone from becoming a rape statistic. We
have what we call "domestic rapes"; for example, rape committed by a husband,
relative or a friend and "stranger suspect rapes." It is the latter that needs
more attention.
Stranger suspect rapes are divided into five groups, namely power, anger,
opportunistic, gang and infant rapes. A power-motivated rapist wants to exert
power and control over the victim. Physical aggression and intimidation are
used to force the victim to submit. The rapist has weak interpersonal
relationships and feels inadequate on sexual and social levels. He plans the
rape and uses just enough violence to control the victim. An Anger-motivated
rapist wants to get even, for real or imagined wrongs done to him by some
female figure in his life. He uses sex and aggression to humiliate his victim
by forcing her to engage in oral and anal sex, as well as other offensive
acts.
An opportunistic rapist differs from the other types of rapists, in the
sense that there is no anger or power motivation. The motivation is primarily
sexual. In a nutshell, the suspect takes advantage of a situation which might
offer an opportunity for rape. The suspect might have psychopathic tendencies.
Gang rape has mob-behaviour or mob-thinking presence. Lastly, infant rapists
have this false belief that having sex with an infant might cure HIV and AIDS.
In some cases, the deed might be ascribed to revenge against the mother.
Psychopathic tendencies are also a factor.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently managing various
programmes, primarily aimed at the reduction of violence against those deemed
to be vulnerable, through strategic partnerships with various government
departments, civic society and non-governmental organisations. The objective is
to address the social generators of crime. These are: The Child and Youth
Programme (CYP), Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), The Anti-Rape Programme
(ARP) and the Domestic Violence Programme (DVP).
Enquiries:
Captain Percy Morokane
Tel: 012 393 5522
Fax: 012 393 5525/27
Cell: 082 778 5602
E-mail: mediarelations@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
7 August 2007
