An evaluation of the challenges faced by Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre in dealing with victims of sexual offences

Abstract

Sexual offences has persisted to be a serious criminal phenomenon worldwide and also in South Africa. The challenges and consequences associated with sexual offences demand that effective prevention programmes be developed to target and deter future sexual offences and recidivism. Sexual violence is the intention by the perpetrator to commit an offence at the absence of consent from the complainant or victim. The perpetrator is causing or attempting to coerce an individual to engage involuntarily in any sexual act by force, threat of duress or without the individual’s consent. Different communities across all different cultures and traditions understand sexual violence as an individual crime, which is rape. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the challenges faced by the Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) when dealing with victims of sexual offences. The TCC is an organisation that aims to empower victims of sexual crimes to become survivors through learning to accept and understand what happened to them as victims of sexual violence. Utilising qualitative and evaluative research design lenses, this study purposively selected 10 participants to gain an insight into their thoughts, attitudes, behaviour, values systems, and motivations on this subject. They were all subjected to the semi-structured key informative interview (KII) method. Based on the transcribed data, various study themes and sub-themes were extracted as study findings that were then analysed using the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) – Multidisciplinary centre; secondary victimisation and revictimisation; alcohol abuse and substance abuse; poverty; hesitance to report; lack of resources; awareness of campaign; psycho-social support; and failure to administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It was recommended that a monthly staff workshop and training should be developed for the TCC, so that the value derived from standard protocol or trained personnel in relation to victims of sexual violence can become significant. Such training will also include meeting expectations for sensitivity and professionalism around the issues of sexual offences. In turn, this will help put the investigatory process into context for the initiated investigations.