READERS SPEAKOUT
ARCHIVE - 2003/2004

6th October 2004
rape aid in a hurry: Question 

Mrs D. Eastern Free State.

I am in the eastern free state and about 2.5 hrs from bloemfontein. 
Nowhere in the phone book is there a listing of counselling help etc for victims of rape. 
I am really concerned and feel that COUNSELLING should be in all the yellow pages and listed in the phone books. 
This should be a service the government offers to the counsellers/centres etc. 
I have even tried lifeline 24 hrs and the woman didn't even know that she sits on the end of that number. 
I had to phone her Twice so as to explain why she gave me her number.
I was then given a phone number that belonged to somebody who didn't even have the slightest knowledge of rape. 
It is most exasperating.
Every 23 seconds there is a rape- but no one can help, especially between 4 - 5.30 pm.
It is now 5.25pm and I will have to try another number soon. 
Even rape crisis centre in the cape (the " page on the internet cannot be displayed"....... there is a glitch in the system) - or they are inundated??? 

Speakout response:

Mrs D, I have sent your email to Lifeline head offices and asked them to help. 
Have you or someone in your family/community been raped? 
Is it counselling that is needed?
Is the person on the right medications to prevent pregnancy, HIV and sexually transmitted illnesses, or is this a rape that happened a while ago?
Let me try and see if we can assist. 
What is the closest big town to you?

SpeakOut contacted Lifeline Head Office who contacted Mrs D direct, we also contacted the counselling services at the her nearest magistrates court to contact her directly too.

research paper
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 8:28 PM
Subject: research paper

good after my name is erica and i attend point park university, i am in a class called woman, crime and justice and we have to do a research paper on women, who are victims, in the criminal justice system etc. my topic is women in south africa who have been raped. i was wondering if you could send me some information regarding this topic, phamplets with statistics on women who have been raped that i could pass out in class so that my classmates could be aware of the problem as well. thanx so much.

erica dm

ANSWER FROM SPEAKOUT!
Hello Erica
I'm very sorry but we are a voluntary organisation and get no funding at all so we can't afford to do pamphlets, but perhaps if you could give them our website address - or print some stuff off it, it might help them, in more ways than you can begin to imagine.
Good luck with your research paper. I'll tell you what I will also send you a copy of an article I wrote this past weekend for one of the big papers here the Sunday Independent.
best wishes
Charlene Smith, SpeakOut! Johannesburg, South Africa

STATS on Rape in the Natal region
From: "Radhika S"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 1:21 PM
Subject: Re: STATS on Rape in the Natal region

** High Priority **

Good Afternoon,

My daughter is a final year Law Student. She has an assignment which is for the exams. She needs the Stats on Rape in the KwaZulu Natal Region.

Could you help us please?

Regards
Radhika S

ANSWER: On the site, if you key in rape stats, and too, if you key in "rape kwa zulu natal" it should bring up quite a bit of info. Otherwise email SA Stats - or phone them - in Cape Town or Johannesburg, they are very helpful and will send you the most recent info.

Rape in Swaziland

we need to highlight and expose the extent of sexual abuse in Swaziland . Please check out the website of our Sunday newpaper www.times.co.sz for a story which is becoming all too common in Swaziland. How can we enlist support to have people from all over to write and condemn this devilish trend. An eighteen year old girl is raped because she was wearing too short a skirt, a virgin. This is too terrible.

Please advise who we can contact and get this crime and others in the spotlight and so be able to make the justice system and even the way victims are treated addressed.

I look forward to your reply

lauretta bennett - swaziland

Dear Lauretta,

We recommend you speak to the parliamentarian in your constituency, write to the media and become involved in womens organisations in your community. SpeakOut!

Red Cross says it has failed in Africa, 8 October, 2003

From: Gustav Svensson
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2003 09:03:42 +0200

Hello,
I work for a Swedish radio program on foreign affairs, I would like to get in touch with Charlene Smith for a comment in today's show (broadcasted live 16.00-17.00 CET).
If you, in any way, could help get in touch with her I would be immensely grateful.

In today's paper (Dagens Nyheter, the country's most prestigious morning paper), the chairman of the Swedish Red Cross, Mr Anders Milton, states that his organisation has failed in its efforts to fight AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. This, he claims, is much due to the lack of understanding of male culture in this region and what vital role this culture play in the spreading of HIV.
He argues that in the future one must focus much more on trying to change dangerous male cultures and endorse women rights (through campaigning etc) in order to hinder the epidemic.

I believe that Charlene Smith might have a lot to say on this subject and would be delighted to have her in today's show. If at all possible, I would prefer to do an interview prior to our broadcast - but a live one is absolutely fine as well.

Sincerely,

Gustav Svensson, radio UPF

Rape info booklets

From: "Theron, Carmen"
To: "'[email protected]'"
Subject: Info
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2003 15:50:40 +0200

Dear speakout
I'm in the employ of Pfizer and I am currently in the process of developing a pocket sized information card that contains a list of all hospitals, nationally, plus their contact numbers, that have on site a rape crisis centre.
Can you help?
Thanks and regards
Carmen Theron
Human Resources Manager
e-mail: [email protected]

Speakout: A pocketsized card or booklet? If a card sounds as though you are more pessimistic abou onsite rape centres than we are. Nonetheless we congratulate you on this much needed resource, we will refer to Charlene Smith who is probably the best source on all of this type of information - we suggest you contact her. Also input your question to our search engine and it will bring up some answers, not a complete list, you should contact the Department of Health too, as well as all the private hospitals and clinics - please be aware many claim to give these but either don't, or don't provide PEP (it is critical that you ONLY give the names of those that give PEP, they are useless to us if they don't, and if they don't are unlikely to have staff trained in rape forensics which is critical for an effective prosecution, or in HIV pre and post-test counselling).

Testing HIV1/2 in South Africa

From: MARCO DI PIETRO
To: [email protected]
Subject: testing quesiton - hiv1/hiv2 in south africa
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 03:47:50 -0700 (PDT)

Hi,
Many compliments on your website, it is very informative

I was curious to know if in south africa most clinics/hospitals/anonymous testing centers will test for both HIV1 and HIV2 when an individual is tested? Is it standard to test for both strains, or just for HIV1?

thank you for any reply,
Marco Di Pietro

SpeakOut: HIV1 is by far the most common strain here and elsewhere and for conventional testing this is most commonly used

Question about an alleged rape, 1 September 2003

From: "Wendy Smit"
To:
Subject: Question
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2003 21:43:01 +0200

Hi There

I require some more information on an alleged rape story, and I would appreciate it if you could assist me with the following:

Can a person sustain such extensive damage to the vagina, that there is excessive bleeding leading to hospitalisation for 4 days to repair the damage? It was also noted that there were pieces of tissue/skin contained in the blood. Person raped - Female aged 23. This was a single incident, not a gang rape.

Please explain how this is possible, if at all.
Thank you
Wendy Smit

SPEAKOUT! It is possible

Permission required - copyright, 13 August 2003

From: "Barbara Boltar"
To: [email protected]
Subject: Permission required
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 15:46:14 +0200

To whom it may concern.

Hi my name is Barbara Boltar and I am organizing a Self-defense Seminar and Course for young woman. I have been training martial arts for 5 years now and would like to pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained from it. The Seminar and Course is targeted at schools girls from grades 8 to 12.
I have gathered information off the internet from various sites, and have been to a number of police stations in my area to obtain accurate information in order to help the young woman in South Africa.
The information I will be utilizing will be referenced to the group/association responsible for that material. Please could you help me in my endeavors by sending me back a letter via e-mail allowing me to use the information gained from your group/association in order to complete this seminar and course.
Miss Barbara Boltar

From: Speak Out!

Dear Ms Boltar,

I am afraid we can not give you permission to use material from the SpeakOut site. You may give the webaddress if you wish but nothing more, all the materials are covered by copyright.
Yours sincerely
SpeakOut!

Info on child rape
From: "Preya Naidoo"

To: [email protected]
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 09:01:02 -0500

Hi, i am a journalist, presently at Midrand Graduate Institute and Iam interested in doing a story on child rape, it affects etc. I would really appreciate it if you could send me any necessary information and even the chance to tlk to some victims. Please could you reply to me at this address.
Thanks you.
Preya Naidoo

From: Speak Out!
Preya,
If you search our site, you will find all the info you need on child rape, including people and organisations to contact. We do not refer to rape survivors as victims either and neither do they.
best wishes
SpeakOut

A memory

From: "fiona"
Subject: A memory
Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2003 14:20:25 +0800

I was inspired listening to Charlene Smith on ABC radio yesterday.I was raped 20 years ago when I was travelling alone overseas .I told my mother(quite soon after) and a counsellor about 10 years later. I've never really spoken about it otherwise. I heard in this story something similar to my own . His fear and sexual inadequacy and my absolute response in getting it over with as soon as possible. I knew somewhere he didn't want to physically hurt me . I could have called out because I was in a backpackers hostel but I didn't. I just wanted it over with quickly. Hearing this story yesterday has me remembering again . It is ok today thinking about it but maybe speaking about it would be healing too .
Thanks for reading.
Fiona

Thank you for writing to us. And for sharing your story. Speaking out not only helps you but you will be amazed at how many others you know, will in turn tell you about what happened to them. I also feel it narrows the terrain for rapists. If more of us speak out, people gain a better awareness ofhow awful rape is and how it can still hurt years later ... By our silence we allow rapists to work unhindered. I don't know where you are in Australia, but perhaps contacting a rape crisis organisation close to you and chatting with other survivors would be of value, and most definitely tell those closest to you.
Perhaps go through our site and read other survivors stories and consider writing yours for the site too.
Wishing you happiness always

first attempt to go public
From: Joy
Subject: first attempt to go public with my story in 16 years
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:18:13 +0200

Hi I'm Joy Peter ,a third year journalism student at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. After having sleepless nights for more than 15 years I decided it was high time I go public with my story with the intention to not only help myself but others who might be suffering in silence or just too ashamed to talk about their experiences. I have therefore, tried to summarise my story of how I was raped twice before I reached the age of 10 and again when I was in High school. I would also like to be actively involved in the work you are doing as I believe I went through difficult times in order to help others and that is my objective and goal. I would be very greatful if you can let me know of the required steps I need to take in order to be part of your organisation. Thanks in advance.
Attached is the story of my life and how I'm coping through varsity. thanks a lot

Charlene Smith's story, 4 July 2003

From: toyin amosun
Subject: charlene smith's story
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2003 07:15:01 -0700 (PDT)

To whom it may concern

I am a final year law student at the University of Cape Town. I am in the process of writing a paper about the troubles rape victims face with respect to coming forward and reporting the injustice done to them. I stumbled on Charlene Smith's name but I haven't been able to find any website or source that tells her full story - most importantly the treatment that she got from society, police and the courts when she spoke out about the rape she had endured. Please reply to this website with a web address (preferably) and/or references from which I can get Charlene Smith's full story. I would like to use it as the main theme for my research paper.

Thank you for your time. Please respond to this email address.

Toyin Amosun

From: Charlene Smith

Hi Toyin, I wrote a book about it, called, "Proud of Me: Speaking Out Against Sexual Violence and HIV" published by Penguin it came out late 2001, you'll find it at any book store and/or the SA National Library in Cape Town.
You'll find the first account I wrote for the M&G on the SpeakOut! website, and numerous articles by me on the Mail & Guardian website and also IOL website. But the best overall resource is the book - it tells my story and that of many others and the incredibly difficulty in getting justice. And I hate to tell you, it isn't getting better or easier for women/children/men raped despite our much vaunted rape courts.
regards
Charlene Smith

Speaking out about date rape, 24 June 2003

From: "Cathy"
Subject: Survivor needs help!
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 14:41:14 +0200

My name is Cathy and I am a date rape survivor! I say survivor not victim because I have got to the stage where I can openly talk about my ordeal and help others. As part of my healing process I have been talking to girls schools to make them aware that this is happening around us. The response I get from these girls is amazing! The problem is that I am having problems finding updated information namely stastics on both rape and date rape. I have found that there is a lot of information out there on rape but not that much on date rape. Could you perhaps help me on these matters? Maybe send me some information or point me in the right direction?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
Cathy

From: Speak Out!

Hi Cathy,
GOOD FOR YOU in talking out and helping others. I'm afraid there are a number of problems with date rape (as you probably know), many women aren't sure that it is rape so don't report it, or they know it's rape and still don't report it. And too, it is not listed under a separate category in policing stats anywhere in the world so any figures or estimates are pure guesswork. Key in "date rape" on the search engine on our site and see what comes up. It is a very under-researched field in SA although it is a huge problem (ignored) esp in univiersities and technikons. I personally believe that educated women are at greater risk than other women - basically because we think we know it all and the sort of men we date or know won't rape us (not true). And so when it happens there is huge denial, confusion, shame and fear about reporting a person who is probably a friend of many of your other friends. Sites in the USA have done more research into this, try the CDC site www.cdc.gov for authoritative research.

Also pls consider doing your story for our survivor's stories sections it might help a lot of people and if you want to put your contact details (email only, not phone) then do so. And keep up your great work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send your friend a free e-card: MSN E-cards!

My friend was raped, what should I do

From: "Lesley"
Subject: Advice please - URGENT
Date: Fri, 2 May 2003 20:41:41 +0200

Hi,

I learned today that a new friend of mine was Raped in her "secure" home this past Sunday by two black men.

She is very traumatised and bursts into tears every time somebody asks how she is.

A pharmacist friend dealt with the HIV aspect immediately as she contacted him.(that night)

I do not want to either ignore or gloss over what has happened but would like to show my support in the most meaningfull way without upsetting her further. (I don't know if this is possible).

My first instinct is to put my arms around her and say nothing unless she wants to - would this be appropriate or not?

We experienced a double burglary in one month - no family involved/at home at the time - but the violation so traumatised me that I felt physically ill if I had to leave the house. Only a case of elder abuse forced me out as I had to deal with getting the old man into hospital and frail care and his needs were greater than mine. Insurance dealt with the stolen property.

In this case no insurance could ever comfort her even if there was such cover!

Please get back to me with some advice as I would like to help and support her in whatever way I can BUT I need guidance urgently. (she is with family at present but due home again this week)

Regards,

Lesley

----- Original Message ----- From: Speak Out! Subject: Re: Advice please - URGENT

Your instinct is correct. But she also really needs to talk about it. Don't force her too but if you visit her regularly and do little things for her - you make the tea when you visit, tell her that you are going grocery shopping and ask if she wants you to pick up some things for her, take her flowers, give her this website address ... just do small thoughtful, human things ... that will help her more than anything. Also don't say stupid things like "you're lucky to be alive" or "time heals", no-one wants to hear cliches after trauma. Don't try and tell her what to do. Just be there for her, listen if she needs to talk, be there, and remember this, she is numb now, but in 3mos to 6 mos time when Post Traumatic Stress really kicks in, that is when you need to be a real friend, that is the most important time to call up, go for coffee, see a movie, and just be there.

From: "Tara Emmenes"

To: [email protected]

Subject: volunteer enquiry

Date: Mon, 06 Jan 2003 01:39:18 +0200

Hi there!

My name is Tara Emmenes. I have just graduated from RAU with a degree in psychology. I am commencing with an honours degree in 2003 and am very eager to obtain some experience in the field of trauma counseling!

I would appreciate it if you would let me know if your program offers a volunteer program and if there are any prerequisites to join the program in 2003!

I feel that I have something to contribute to your program and honestly feel that I can help out in the city of Johannesburg! In turn, allowing me to join your program would help me greatly with my studies and future career!

Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon!

Yours faithfully,
Tara Emmenes

From: Speak Out!

Hi Tara,

Unfortunately we do not offer volunteer training. However, if you go through our website especially under rape contacts you will get the names of many organisations in Johannesburg - some we can recommend POWA, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, Lifeline, Childline, the Teddy Bear clinic, Women Against Child Abuse...

Speakout

From: "Anne Marais"
Subject: Information
Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 22:16:17 +0200
Hi!

I`m a freelance journalist.I want to do an article on rape.I was wondering whether you have some brochures and literature on the subject.Would you be willing to send me info through the post?

Regards,
Anne Marais

From: Speak Out!

Dear Anne, there is no better resource than our website it is used by journalists, scientists, academics and lawmakers for across the world. regards, Speakout.

From: Mirja Dannheimer
Subject: a message from abroad
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2002 02:18:39 +0000 (GMT)

Following the broadcsating of a TV programme (ended now at 2am London time) detailing the SA rape statistics, and Charlene Smith's story, I feel compelled to get in touch and tell you - well done for taking such brave initiative.

Also, I left SA in October 2002, and two months later I see your documentary on British television.

Never before had I seen or heard of it whilst living in SA.

And that is worrying! One of the rape victims on the documentary agreed - reflecting tremendous optimism, given her situation - it would be imperative that the public is made more aware & is increasingly exposed to the hard facts.

Which brings me to question whether the SA broadcasting authorities are committed, honestly, in telling the message to every South African, much like British television is managing to do so to any person in Britian who happened to have been watching - and who could have been a potential tourist.

Whatever happened to the outcry - oh exasperation - of men, rather offended in view of the Charlize Theron ad announcing some shocking stats on the SA rape situation. If my memory serves me correct that advertisment was halted in its tracks. Sadly.

And that is why I find it so refreshing, and significant to see the documentary and hear of your website - all the way in London. Well done and may you reach every single South African with your message.

I wish you a blessed festive season

Best regards
Mirja Dannheimer

From: "Phillip \\ Mariki"

Subject: Male Rape support group
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 11:38:05 +0200

Dear friend

I am a television producer for the television programme Voorblad that is broadcast on the Afrikaans Channel kykNET on DSTV. I am doing a programme on which I would very much like to interview someone who was a victim of male rape and is prepared to talk about it, and more specifically on how you survive something like this as the theme of this programme is "How do I live with". The interviewee should also preferrably be Afrikaans speaking.

We are planning to record this programme on 10 january 2003. Please let me know if you can assist me.

Regards
Mariki Pretorius

SpeakOut! There is a male rape survivor called Ivan who lives in George, who is open about having been raped, and positive in his approach. If you look under survivors stories on our website you will find his story and his contact details. There is also considerable material on the site on male rape, its frequency, and how to cope ... basically coping with male rape is the same as coping with female rape, one has to discover and use tremendous inner power and resources and ignore the stupid comments we all get from the insensitive. If we achieve that (minus the use of psychiatric drugs to prop us up ... they don't help and people who have been traumatised are in danger of becoming addicated) - our lives become remarkable, and we become filled with far deeper insights and a powerful sense of confidence and compassion.

From: "Samantha Kenyon"
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 22:09:50 -0000
To Whom It May Concern,
I was born in Port Elizabeth, but my parents emigrated to England in 1977. I still have family living in P.E., but now I am thinking about going to live back there. Over the past years we've heard about high crime rates in South Africa etc. Basically, I am trying to find peoples experiences of South Africa, including education and whether it's a good place to bring my small family up in.
Regards
Sam

SpeakOut!: Dear Samantha,

there are high crime rates here, SA has the world's worst and most violent crime. However, one does not encounter it on a daily basis - yes it is in the news, but hopefully we don't experience it too often. It is balanced by a very good lifestyle and nice people. We cannot advise you what to do, you really have to look at what you feel your life's goals are and make assesments based on that - and perhaps come out for a holiday of a few weeks and use that to help you make up your mind.

Good luck!

Male Rape as punishment in Zimbabwe,
Q&A, December 2002
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Date: Sun, 01 Dec 2002 13:26:18 -0500

Greetings from South Africa.
I enjoyed your website but need more info. I am writing a book about the political crisis in Zimbabwe where the government is using male rape (and male-to-female rape) as a way to punish people who support the opposition parties.
My problem is that I have encountered quite a few exiles here in South Africa who tell me about a friend-of-a-friend who may have been a victim of male rape — or have been forced to perform male-on-male sex in front of ruling party thugs in the holding camps where opposition members are tortured.
I suspect that some of my interviewees are indeed the victims but won't admit it. Any hints on how I could, delicately and with respect and dignity, coax them into talking first-hand about their experiences?
Any help would be very welcome.

Kind regards,
Geoff Hill
Professional Writer
Johannesburg

A: Dear Geoff,
We need to know more about you first, obviously we do not give out details of rape survivors.
We have dealt with men who have been raped in Zimbabwe including by members in the cabinet of ZanuPF, but this seems to be "conventional" rape and not rape as punishment or torture.
A site that will lead you to human rights groups in Zimbabwe that could assist with official studies is www.kubatana.net
Regards
SpeakOut!

From: CM
Subject: RK
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 20:57:16 EDT

Hi, I am Jenni M. Ryan K is my current boyfriend. He is 17 and I am 13. We have been going out for about 2 1/2 weeks. After the first week I tried to break up with him, and after that he tried to kill himself.
It did not work. Then I made a big mistake I decided to go back out with him so he wouldn't kill himself. I realize by keep going out with him is only making it worse. Proof of him thinking/trying about him killing himself is where my friend A comes in (that is how we met). He gave her a note saying that he tried. ----- Original Message ----- From: Speak Out!
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 4:42 PM
Subject: RK

Jennifer - dump him. FAST. He is an insecure, manipulative and potentially dangerous young person. Tell your parents. Tell your school guidance counsellor. And tell him to stay well away from you. He sounds as though he has psychological problems, but my angel, that is his problem, don't make it yours.

You need to ensure your OWN safety and YOUR happiness. Leave him, let him make someone else's life a misery. And the best way to deal with it when he says he will kill himself, is to say back, "well, Ryan, that's your choice, you must do what you feel is best for you." And leave it at that. You will feel terrified when you say it, but you must say it in a calm way and walk away, or put the phone down after that, and refuse to accept his calls again. Anything he ever does to himself is HIS CHOICE. You need to make sure that everything in your life is YOUR CHOICE, don't give in to blackmail. Ever. SpeakOut!

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Volunteering in Cape Town, September, 2002

From: "D Ohlson" Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 10:46:21 +0200

I WOULD LIKE TO ENQUIRE WHERE CAN I GO TO VOLUNTEER . I AM CURRENTLY DOING MY LL.B PART-TIME AND WOULD LIKE TO GET EXPOSURE TO THE LEGAL FIELD.
THANK YOU
MS DC OHLSON

A: You forgot to tell us what town you are in, but I assume from your email address that it is Cape Town - contact Rape Crisis, POWA, Rapcan or Mosaic, one of them will require your services, but they will screen you first and let you undergo a training course, that you have to pay for. Otherwise, all universities have legal aid clinics attached to them, you might want to try at the university you attend.

Outraged Mother
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 16:20:17 -0400

My daughter and her 2 friends were followed into her apartment by a man he had on a ski mask and also had a gun. After terrorizing them, he had them strip naked and after more terror he took them out to the living room(he had them in the bedrom)where he made them lay face down next to each other and began to rape my daughter. Her friend Knew at this point if she didn't try to escape they may be raped and shot. She ran for the door and the other girl ran into the bedroom, my daughter only remembers running out the front door. After wonderful work by the police dept they caught this guy. He was wanted on murder, attempted murder and 4 other rape charges. My daughter found out he was also HIV positive, her world fell apart. We watched for a year how she tried to go to work and school, she was 25 when this happend, she could not sleep her boyfriend broke up with her it was awful. When she found out the rapist was HIV positive and she had no medical insurance she looked into a lawsuit against the property management. Her attorney warned her about the difficulties in a rape case but he felt she had a legitimate case. The criminal trial was first and the rapist received 4 life sentences just in her case alone he is still awaitig trial in the other cases. She vowed even before they caught him that she would be a witness. The civil trial was just three weeks ago (this happened 2 years ago). Because my daughter went back to work and school and tried not to let this man ruin her future they (the insurance Co.) actually used that against her showing how this had not really left a scar on her and would not cause any future trauma. I am angry because of the outcome. The jury did find the property management to be negligent but because when the girls entered the apartment the last girl in may have had a minute delay in locking the door, my daughter was the first girl to enter,they awarded my daughter $275,000.00 but deducted 75%, 25% for each girl . After she pays her attorneys fees she will have a small settlement that she can use for future counselling etc. Her attorney asked for a$ amount for future stress but they would'nt award her even $1.00 for this. My daughter said after the trial she felt even worse to think that people could think she was negligent, after all she was the first girl in and who locks the door when people are following behind you. The court reporter, who was hired by the insurance co. came over to my daughter after and said in her 25yrs of working in the court system she had never heard of a rape victim being found negligent especially when she was in her own home and even more so after the property managemnt were found to be negligent. It seemed to many that the judge was pro the insurance co. he even allowed them to bring in 5 expert witnesses when usually its only two. My daughters life has changed forever like she says by the time she goes to bed at night she is mentally tired becuase she is constantly watching over her shoulder, wondering if this car that pulls up next to her is following her. She has to take over the counter sleeping pills so she can at least try to sleep. Do you agree that an injustice was done here after all she did win the case. How any rape victim can be found negligent is absurd. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

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Award for Speakout!

From: [email protected]
Subject: Healing Strength Award
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2002 17:30:41 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Friends At SpeakOut!

Because your web site has shown much dedication to provideing information extensively and hope for better healing for all Survivors of Sexual Abuse 'All These Years' http://www.alltheseyears.net has chosen for you to receive our 'Healing Strength Award' and we thank you for createing such a wonderfully blessed web site for all to help gain knowledge for better inner strength. Your courage speaks wonders.

Sincerely, Haullie (Founder of 'All These Years')

ALL THESE YEARS
Tori Amos Inspired Site for Sexual Assault Survivors

From: Sarita
To: Speak Out!
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 14:41:09 -0700 (PDT)

My initial thought was to send information to friends & associates and to ask them to make donations to help rape survivors in South Africa. However, my husband suggested that if I wrote to as many newspapers as I could within the USA with details of the situation in SA, then this would increase the potential for donations considerably. I agree with him, and think that we could all do with some consciousness-raising. So, I have collated the info which follows.
Sincerely
Sarita

Rape of a 9-month-old baby girl in South Africa

I first learned about the rape of baby Tshepang two days ago, and I have been haunted by it ever since. I had turned to the BBC’s web site, as usual, to find out what was happening in the world and in the USA, a practice we began soon after our arrival in the USA three years ago. I read with increasing horror and disbelief, that baby Tshepang was recovering in Kinberley Hospital after being brutally raped and sodomised. Tshepang needed life-saving surgery after the attack, but a surgeon from the hospital told the court that she was making a good recovery and that she would be able to have children when she grew up.

Sadly, I was already accustomed to hearing about acts of sexual violence committed against women and girls, but this heinous attack on a baby girl had left me reeling with disbelief. This has to be one of the worst human rights atrocities I have heard about.

A 23-year old man, David Potse, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after DNA evidenced confirmed his guilt.

Potse’s girlfriend, Lya Booysen, collapsed in tears in court after saying that she had been too afraid to tell the police what she had seen (she had told the court that Potse used to attack and abuse her).

I read this story upon the assumption that this was a one-off case; however, I soon learned that this was simply the latest in a series of rapes of baby girls in South Africa.

Such atrocities are committed based on the misconception that having sex with a virgin will cure the afflicted of HIV or AIDS. The source of these rumours is believed to be the traditional healers, or witch doctors, and the government, to its credit, is working towards dispelling these devastating beliefs. Surprising and bewildering as they are, such beliefs are not new; as sociologist Lisa Vetton points out; she says that in Europe, when child prostitution was rife, venereal disease, like Aids today, was incurable. So, anyone who had gonorrhea or syphilis was going to die. At that time, exactly the same myth emerged, that sex with a virgin would cure the diseased.

I then turned to another story, dated 11th December, written by Barnaby Phillips, in which he reported the impending court appearance of two men in Johennesburg, accused of raping a 5-month old girl, who had been found "covered in blood and tears." He continued, that everyday, the newspapers reported new atrocities, such as the case of an eight-month-old, raped and left by the roadside.

Some even believe that this is not a new occurrence at all, but that such atrocities went unreported previously because of embarrassment within the family. But now, people have finally had enough and have decided to speak out.

On October 5th, 1999, South African journalist, Charlene Smith, had written an article on the same topic; she was herself raped in her home in April of the same year. She recalls waiting at a cold, dirty office of the district examiner after the trauma, and then later, fighting for anti-retroviral drugs at private clinics in order to reduce her risk of HIV infection. At the district surgeons office a girl of about10 years old was ahead of her, accompanied by a male police officer. She decided then that she would speak out for the mute and terrified child ahead of her, and so began her campaigning for the rights of those who are raped and in danger of HIV infection.

South Africa has the fastest accelerating rate of HIV in the world today- 1 800 infections each day.

These are some of the other alarming statistics she reports:
33% of women at antenatal clinics are HIV positive
33% of children in government hospitals have HIV or AIDS-related illness
75% of paediatric deaths at Johannesburg Hospital are AIDS-related

South Africa is also gaining a reputation as being the rape capital of the world, where around 64 000 women and children are are raped each year.. And everyone who is raped is in danger from HIV infection.
The South African government has been offered ant-retroviral drugs at prices 70% less than anywhere else in the world to stop mother-child transmission. So, 60% of babies born to infected mothers could be saved, and the same drugs could also stop those who have been raped from becoming infected. But the government has refused the offer.
President Thabo Mbeki remains unconvinced about the effectiveness of the anti-retoviral drugs, and is concerned about the possibility of toxic side-effects. In a letter to world leaders on AIDS in Africa, April 3, 2000, he states that the problem of Aids in Africa is not the same as that in the West, and that,
"…a simple superimposition of Western experience on African reality would be absurd and illogical…"

The president has been criticized worldwide for his stance on arv’s, and even at home, former president Nelson Mandela has repeatedly criticized the government’s reluctance to make the drugs readily available to the citizens of South Africa. He has said that he supports the government’s research into the use of arv’s, but the people should decide for themselves whether they wanted to take the drugs and risk the potential side-effects.
As Charlene Smith discovered, the drugs were available to wealthier citizens who could afford private insurance, but were denied to the vast majority of citizens.served by the publin health sector.
In October 1999 Charlene Smith wrote,

"…In South Africa we have begun working hard— citizens, doctors, judges and police-officers, to combat sexual violence and the spread of HIV…"

However, nearly 3 years later, on 28th July, 2002, I read the headline’ "Mandela backs SA Aids protest", on the BBC website. This article is about the prominent Aids campaigner, Zackie Achmat, who is refusing to take arv’s until the government makes them widely available to the general population. Achmat is HIV positive and his health is steadily declining. Mandela has siad that he will meet with president Mbeki in an effort to save the life of Achmat, whom he describes as ‘…a role model…’.

In the meantime, whilst the controversy continues, so does the suffering of numerous innocent people; children, women and men. Brave journalists like Charlene Smith and a Brazilian woman, who was gang raped by about six men, risk their lives to tell the world what is going on in South Africa. Inspite of government opposition, and a huge shortage of money, doctors administer arv’s to as many patients as they can. Archbishop Ndugane led a march of South African men in Cape Town on 25th november, 2000, to condemn the high rate of violence against women. The marchers were met at the gates of parliament by women who showered them with rose petals. Charlene Smith, along with other volunteers, has set up a web site, speakout.org.za , to inform and assist those who have been affected by rape. At this site, there are also details about the various organizations which are helping to bring relief to those who are suffering, in different ways.

From: "Michael Little"
To:
Subject: Helping women in Africa, NPR transcript?

Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 12:41:30 -0700

Greetings,

I applaud the work you are doing. I frequently give seminars on solar cooking and refer to information gleaned from Charlene's appearance on NPR in June of '01. I am involved in an area that can help a group of people in the world in many ways, including limiting their exposure to HIV. Though this effort is in its infancy, solar cooking is spreading rapidly throughout the world.

I have the beginnings of a net site that is getting some attention world-wide, and I expect to make it a lot better. I refer to Charlene's cause in my site, though I do not have a link to your site (this will be done later). In prepareing for phase II of this site, and other research work I am doing, I could use some information from you. The site is: http://greensun.org

Do you have a transcript of the June 21, 2001 NPR show? NPR does not appear to have it. I would like some exact quotes from the show if possible. Before publishing anything I would get your approval first if that is required.
Her story about the terrible rumor spreading the continent of Africa on how men can get rid of HIV is most disturbing to me. I have shared this information with select individuals and it has made an indellible imprint on their lives. It changed mine. I have heard this same story from the president of Sun Ovens International (who visits Africa often), a friend involved in education in Kenya, a local nurse, and a local aid worker who has worked in Africa. When I first heard about it I was unbelieving. Then I was very upset (lost a lot of sleep). Now I hope to help in some way.

Stories and links to others who are involved much more than I in helping women and children in Africa can be found at the following links, in case you are interested: http://www.sunoven.com     http://www/solarcooking.org

Thank you for your time. If there are documents available on the web describing women's/children's plight in Africa, I would appreciate link info. I have been most interested in WHO reports, but I would hope there are more detailed and personal accounts than what they present.

Thank you very much for your time and world efforts. I am indebted to you.

All the best,

Michael Little

[email protected]

From: "Soni Pitts"
To:
Subject: South African Rape Insurance
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 2002 19:52:31 +0000

 am interested in this particular subject and was wondering if there are any organizations or what-have-you set up to raise money to purchase rape insurance for those in SA who cannot afford to buy it for themselves. Although the current cost is about $1.50US, I am under the impression that even that is out of the reach of a great number of SA women. Any information would be appreciated.

From: "KA"
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 8:48 AM
Subject: Why rape cases "do not stand up in court" - Copy of letter to The Herald, Eastern Cape

Dear editor

In The Herald (May 14 2002:2), Patrick Cull refers to the "Shock child rape figures" of children's cases in the country and gives some reasons why cases are withdrawn, but points out that "no general explanation" for this is provided
One reason why a child's rape did "not stand up in court" is because of the state of services provided by hospitals, the police force, Welfare, the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with whom I lodged a formal complaint of negligence and so-called "places of safety" like the Bethany home in Umtata. In the case in question, the doctor-in-charge at the Umtata General Hospital (in 2000) did not take any evidence, which could have lead to the rapist's conviction.
In his affidavit to the Health Professions Council, the doctor said that he "attempted to contact the police by telephone", but could not do so (see footnote 1 below). He also said that he "left the responsibility" to a nun "who brought the child" to him. Notwithstanding that a child care worker at the home allegedly raped the child at the Bethany Home on the Saturday (1 April 2000) and notwithstanding that the police are on stand by over weekends (as a senior police officer informed me), the nun in question only managed to do this on the Monday. She also arranged for the doctor to complete the required J88 form, and then submitted this to the police.
Yet, a district surgeon in East London in charge of the region informed me that no doctor can examine a raped child without the presence of the police.
Besides the requisite form, the police are also supposed to provide free rape kits for the doctor to take evidence from the child and to see that the kit is securely sealed and safely dispatched to a laboratory in either Pretoria or Cape Town for DNA profile testing. However, the doctor points out that as far as he knows, no rape kits have been provided by the police "for the last seven years". In addition, according to the doctor's affidavit (of 17.12.2000), laboratory personnel at the Umtata General Hospital refuse to accept any swabs for examination of sperm after a technician was beaten up by a "perpetrator" for "producing results of vaginal washing" in court.
There are also discrepancies between the child's hospital report, the doctor's affidavit and interviews with the doctor and nun by the East Cape News Agency in 2001.
As far as the services of Welfare and the Bethany "place of safety" are concerned, on the 8 February 2001, I sent a letter and report about the rape to the Minister of Social Development, Dr Skweyiya and the MEC of Welfare, Ms Ncumisa Kondlo requesting an investigation into the Bethany Home, including the way so-called "child care" workers are employed and trained. After a great deal of advocacy, I received a response from Ms N. L. Jordan, the Director Welfare Financing & DQA (=Development of Quality Assurance?) and a telephone call from Ms Konyana (7 November 2001). The letter states: "We are in the process of conducting a thorough assessment as well as ensuring continuous monitoring of the place. This will assist in improving and maintaining good standards of services delivered for children in the long and short term. Furthermore, counselling services will be arranged for the child and you will be informed of progress in this regard".

The child never received any counselling services and so far, I have not been informed of any "progress".
On 1 June 2001, the Registrar (Department of Legal Services) of the Health Professions Council (HPCSA), informed me in writing that the Committee accepts the doctor's explanation after "careful consideration" and "could not find any fault" in his conduct. It also refers to the "difficult circumstances" the doctor "worked under".
After further advocacy through indomitable people like Charlene Smith, I received another letter from the HPCSA (23 October 2001) informing me that my complaint "was reconsidered by the Council's Committee of Preliminary Enquiry and "referred to the Executive Committee of the Medical and Dental Board for further consideration."
Two years have passed since the child's rape. I hope this letter contributes towards an explanation as to why many rapists are not apprehended and the special rights of the child according to the Constitution are not respected.
AK
Witteklip
Please use, if necessary, the following nom de plume: "advocate for social justice" to protect the rights of the child
1. A senior police officer informed me that all telephone calls to the police are recorded but that these are destroyed after one month.

From: Bongani Matoba
[email protected]>
Subject: Help on anti-rape device
Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 20:16:33 +0200

Look me and my friends are building an anti-rape device. Please visit my web site and give us ideas on it (http://r2-d2.up.ac.za/eit111/students/s2210890/project).
Your input will be highly appreciated.
Yours sincerley
Bongani Matoba (group leader)

SpeakOut!
We are opposed to all so-called anti-rape devices because we believe they will see the women getting injured - they also in no way address incest or child rape, or even male rape. The best anti-rape device possible is changing the attitudes of men who believe they can rape, let us know if you embark on work of that type.

******************************************************************
From: Bongani Matoba
To: "Speak Out!"
Subject: Re: Help on anti-rape device
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 08:14:29 +0200

Look I understand your stand on this, but the thing is we are trying a different angle to conquer rape. Unfortunately this will not solve the problem of child rape, but we are trying to take a step where our intelligence can. So far we trying to to build a device for teenagers and adult women to protect themselves against rape attacks or even date rapes.

The device is supposed to work on concept of trying to sedate the attacker, giving the victim a chance to escape. This device is round about pen size and weight. It will require no preperation so you just pull off the cap and stab the attacker and it will self-inject the sedative. We are still in the investigation of finding the perfect fast acting sedative. The most effective ones right now are only legal to doctors performing surgery. That is why we are asking for your input to steer us in the right direction and I have so far highly appreciated your honest input.
So please do keep in touch so we can have a realistic view of our challenge
Yours truly
Bongani Matoba

Speak Out!
Why don't you research rape before getting up to this sort of craziness? 75% of rape in SA is gang rape, a woman or girl is more likely to be raped by anything from 3 to 30 perpetrators than a single individual; 85% of them are armed; 65% of women will be raped in their home?
Why haven't you gone to our stats page?
Why haven't you bothered to consult with rape survivors?
And why are you not responding to our challenge to help do something to change the male attitudes that lead to rape?

From: "UK"
Subject: abuse
Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 17:50:35 +0200

I came across yr website while looking for free/cheap + local help/support for adult survivors of child abuse ... I hope you can refer me to the right resource?
Many thanks!
UK

SpeakOut: We have plenty of such resources please look under Child Abuse or Events or key in Child Abuse into the search engine

Subject: Book suggestion/thought 16th October 2004

Thanks for all your advocacy. Thank you for empowering victims.

I read your article about the doctor who daignosed the health-worker in Alexandria clinic with having a borderline personality. I recently read a book called the Siren's Dance about a doctor who marries a woman with so-called Borderline. I think that the woman had been abused in her past, but the thing is that it has a lot of helpful information on Borderline and treatment in the appendix so I thought it was an interesting and helpful read, although it did also make me cringe at times.

Dumela,
Susie

SpeakOut!

Dumela sissie,

thank you for this advice, we will pass it on.
SpeakOut!

Hello from Los Angeles and GOOD FOR YOU!!! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION
4th November 2004
Hello Speak out,

Wow, what an inspiration! Your organization represents the reason for our project. You solidify the strength of women around the world.

Hello, my name is Stephanie Inouye and I am from Los Angeles. I am a young filmmaker who has just produced a campaign which speaks out against rape against women. We just cut six Public service announcements in english and Spanish for the org. called RAINN in the united States. Our campaign was called the "I WAS" campaign. A very simple yet eloquent campaign which involved women of every demographic from the ages of 18-84. They simply said "I WAS".

We set up an interview session after our shoot just for these women to talk about their experiences and feeling about the project and we were absolutely floored by the coming out stories these women had about their abuse. This has now inspired us to create a documentary which covers this topic on a world scope to uncover this atrocity that politicians like to slide to the back burner.

We are resolve in this cause and are seeking out organizations like yours around the world who can help us with our research and coverage. I would love to speak to you more in depth about our project and find a way that we can help you on some sort of media level. Please feel free to call or write. Good luck with you endeavors.

Kind Regards,

Stephanie Inouye

SPEAKOUT! Hi Stephanie,
What a lovely email and congratulations on your fantastic work. We would be pleased to assist you in whatever way possible.
best wishes
SpeakOut!

DNA Enquiries
 
November 2004
Dear Sir/Madam,

I have sent you an enquiry regarding the forensic use of DNA technology, as a major crime fighting tool, in South Africa!!!

I would also like to know where I can get the relevant legislation regarding the forensic use of DNA technology in South Africa???

Will you be able to assist me with my enquiry???
Your help will be very much appreciated. I thank you in advance and hope to hear from you again!

Yours faithfully,
 

ANSWER FROM SPEAKOUT!

Hello, There is a variety of legislation that covers the use of DNA, legislation includes the Sexual Offences Bill, Criminal Procedures Act, Child Care legislation, etc... etc...
You can approach the Forensic services of the SAPS at Silverton, Pretoria or Delft in Cape Town for more information. The internet is always a useful source for more information. And too the SA Law Commission.

SpeakOut!

Justice4Caroline, UK, 15 November 2004

Can you help bring The British Government led by Tony Blair before the international court for allowing the wealthy men who raped and then sexually assaulted my schoolgirl daughter to escape being brought before a court of law because of the way witnesses were allowed to be terrorised by the men. see www.justice4caroline.co.uk Blair's men say she couldn't prove she didn't say no to being raped. She also couldn't prove she had not wanted the other man to put his penis down her throat and ejeculate violently. We say the man who did that to her after the other man had raped her is a sexual deviant and a pervert. Britain's Crown Prosecution Service refuse to bring the men before a jury because of costs.
 
Dave, Brinklow, England

ANSWER FROM SPEAKOUT!

Has there been no trial? This seems extraordinary. We also think that its garbage that a woman should have to say "no", it's quite clear from conditions that she is coerced, what is she supposed to do, sit with a checklist?
Have you approached the media? How does your daughter feel about her name being publically known? If she is okay with that then that is very important, that is the best way you have to shame them.
We doubt the British government will be brought before the international court for this if they are getting away with what is happening in Iraq. But we do advise that you take it to the media, to the most respectable thoughtful media you can find ... forget the tabloids. Don't even go there. Have you attempted to get the support of womens organisations in Britain?

Rape in SA, a Nigerian magazine queries, 16 November 2004
From: Ngozi

Dear speakout,

my name is Ngozi Fakeye, i am the publisher of a magazine in Nigeria called 'Sisterspeak'It is a women empowerment magazine.
I wish to have a section called 'world watch' where i highlight challenges women face in other parts of the world and the peculiar way they deal with it through activism and legislation. Rape, psychological abuse, domestic violence, discrimination in the office, etc... and apply it here in Nigeria.

For my maiden edition, i want to feature rape in south Africa.

In researching Rape i came across your URL and it seems you have had extensive experience in studying rape in SA.

I wonder if you could write an article on Rape in South Africa, highlighting your efforts at helping victims, influencing legislation and other.
i have written you because you are on the top of the list of results in a search for 'rape in south Africa'. I do not fully understand the scale of the problem though from news reports i surmise it is quite a problem, you as a resident and activist in SA are in the best position to give me an article with depth and merit.
I do not know how you may wish to be compensated for this effort, most of our contributors for the maiden edition have submitted their articles for free, hwever we will in the course of discussions come to some viable agreement.
I look forward to corresponding with you,
with very best regards
 

ANSWER FROM SPEAKOUT!

Hi Ngozi,
We would ask that instead of you paying us a fee you make a contribution to a woman's organisation in Nigeria and send us a copy of the contribution made. How many words and what is your deadline? We would also want a copy of the publication please.
SpeakOut!

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