Gender-based violence is a widespread problem in South Africa. The country has among the highest cases of rape in the world. In May 2024 President Cyril Ramaphos signed the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law, but there’s a lot to be done to address the scourge. According to the non-profit organisation, Rape Crisis many rape survivors never see the inside of a courtroom, often because they do not have access to the first step in the criminal justice system – post rape care.
Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are a cornerstone of the country’s anti-rape strategy. TCCs are one-stop facilities aimed at providing psychosocial, medical and legal services for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) under one roof. GBV includes rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
On Monday 19 August, the National prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA) and other stakeholders came together to launch the 65th TCC at Mitchells Plain Hospital in Cape Town.
