Tag: Sexual violence

STATEMENT: Concerned alumni speak out about exclusions at Rhodes University after #RUreferencelist protests

As alumni of the University Still Known as Rhodes (USKAR), we express our concern and dismay at the university’s recent decision to permanently expel two students. It is not merely the expulsion but the severity of this action that alarms us – namely, that the students stand to lose the credits they have earned while at the university, and will be denied the opportunity to complete their degrees.

NEWS ANALYSIS: Why Rhodes’ heavy handed action against student activists is misplaced

Rhodes University dealt a strong hand against alleged “criminality” by permanently excluding at least two of its students involved in last year’s #RUReferenceList protests – sparking the ire of anti-rape violence activists around the country.

Students Yolanda Dyantyi and Dominique McFall were charged and found guilty by the university for kidnapping and insubordination. Dyantyi was also found guilty of assault and “engaging in offensive/defamatory conduct”. The two were excluded from the university for life.

The evolution of the Sexual Offences Act in South Africa, in effect for 10 years

South Africa has some of the most progressive legislation regarding sexual violence today. But this wasn’t always the case.

PRESS RELEASE: #NotOurLeaders Campaign launched by Women and Democracy Initiative, Lawyers for Human Rights

#NotOurLeaders Campaign launched by Women and Democracy Initiative, Lawyers for Human Rights and gender violence specialist during 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women

PRESS RELEASE: SA Constitutional Court to hear case regarding removal of 20 year statute of limitations for sexual offences that do not include rape

On 14 November the Constitutional Court will hear the case seeking confirmation of the South Gauteng High Court judgment handed down on the 19 June by Acting Judge Hartford in the matter between Levenstein (and 7 others) and Sidney Frankel, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, (Case 29573/2016). The judgement struck down section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Act as unconstitutional. The section barred the right to prosecute all sexual offences, other than rape, after a period of 20 years after the offence has been perpetrated.

Why I didn’t report my rape #33 – ‘she was my only friend’

we were nine. i tell myself i must have imagined it. or maybe dreamt it.

Con court ruling against ‘teen sex’ law protects rape survivors’ rights

Last week’s Constitutional Court ruling decriminalising consensual sexual relationships between teens was met with moralising outrage across the country. Sensationalist media fanned the flames of indignation by failing to contextualise the law’s effect on teen sexual relations – including rape.

Under the impugned sections 15 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA) teenage rape survivors, especially girls, run the risk of being criminally charged for being raped.

Who “let’s rape happen” in South Africa? [TRIGGER WARNING]

Following the Vavi rape accusation South Africans have questioned the validity of claims of rape where the victim or survivor has not opened a case with the police. This, despite the fact that it is well-documented that rape is vastly under-reported. When confronted with this evidence, many South Africans respond that it is the duty of the rape survivor to report to the police, to take the matter to court and, once there, find justice.

Why I didn’t report my rape #32

When I was a full time student at the University of Durban Westville I had a gap in my time table that allowed me to have a nice long swim once a week. The walk from the swimming pool back to main campus was a lot of uphill so I would often just stay in… Read More ›

Why she didn’t report her rape – “RIP, you crazy Diamond” #31

I met the mother of my son in the early 1980’s during the height of all the apartheid nastiness and bullshit.

I reported our rapes – and no one believed us. I didn’t report the second #29

I am a rape survivor.  I reported it the first time went to court and the accused was released due to a lack of evidence.

Why I didn’t report my attempted rape #28

I have just a small story that could have been rape if someone had not disturbed him.

Why I didn’t report my rape #27

I didn’t report it because I knew what it would mean for me if I didn’t. He was the most popular guy in school.

Why I didn’t report my rape – “I was his wife” #26

I was married to him, and the rape happened at the time when our marriage was breaking down. I applied for a protection order, for the violence that I thought would end in me being killed by him. The rape was part of the violence that almost killed me, but I lived.

She tried to report her attempted rape – police told her it’s “not a real crime” #25

I’m a man and this story in response to the call for traumatic experiences related to rape. It’s not my own but rather one on behalf of a relative who nearly even paid for her supposed indiscretion with her life and never reported it.