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[Christo]

I visited a family member in a Netcare Hospital the other day and read an article on rape in the Netcare magazine while waiting to go into ICU. I am a man but I can only imagine the pain, emotional murder and utter humiliation a woman must go through during and after a rape. The trauma and fear while the crime is being committed. Some had described an emptiness after this terrible ordeal they had to endure.

Netcare gave some tips in the article of how to avoid sexual assualt and what to do if it did happen, to assist police to catch the animal responsible. If you want to read the whole article get the Spring 2011 number 7 issue of the Netcare Magazine.

REDUCING THE RISK:

In your car -
* Park in well lit areas
* Have your keys in your hand, ready to use
(the old fashion car keys can be a weapon - go for the eyes first)
* If you think you are followed, drive to a police station rather than home

Walking or jogging -
* Tell someone what route you are taking
* Tell someone when to expect you back
* Be alert to your surroundings
* Avoid this activity alone after dark
* Carry a whistle

At a party or club -
* Date rape drugs are colourless, odourless and tasteless
* Open your own drink or order it yourself
* Don't leave drinks unattended
* Don't allow strangers to buy or pour a drink for you
* Let your companions know what your movements will be
* Call one another after arriving at your destination after a night out
* If you meet a stranger you are interested in, take a picture and get a phone number -
send it to at least two friends for safe-keeping - let him know about it

At all times -
* Communicate your boundaries clearly
* Have a safety plan
* Have someone to call in an emergency
* Tell people where you are going and who is likely to be there
* Have the phone number and address of medical facilities able to assist you in case of a rape -
most Netcare hospitals and clinics are equipped and trained to handle it

IN CASE IT DOES HAPPEN:

* Get to safety as quickly as possible
* Seek medical attention before going to the police station
* Don't shower, bath, comb your hair, douche or change/wash your clothes
* Do not brush your teeth or take a drink
* Do not touch or alter anything at the scene of the assault
* Tell someone you can trust and ask them to accompany you to the hospital and police station
* Take a change of clothes with you
* Report the crime to law enforcement and press charges
* Seek support and professional help as soon as possible

Being attentive to your surroundings and security detail, could spare you from such an ordeal, even when at home - keep doors locked, know at all times what is close that you can use as a weapon, use your alarm effectively as early warning (outside beams etc). Try and get into a mindset of never surrender if the attack comes - when it looks hopeless, get mad and give it all you have. Rapist and criminals are mostly cowards. Heavy resistance will make them flinch and maybe give you time to get away or get help.