Trends of rape in Mankweng area between 2009-2012: a study of the Thuthuzela Care Centre

Abstract

The study investigated trends of rape in Mankweng area between the years 2009 and 2012. The number of cases reported per year, age of victims, area of occurrence, victim/perpetrator relationship, month of occurrence, day and time of occurrence and the victim’s rape occurrences were investigated. Archival research design was employed by studying victim’s records at Thuthuzela Care Centre, using a self-designed data organization sheet. Descriptive statistics was applied in analysing data. The following are the findings: there is an increase in the number of rape incidents, girls aged between 13- 19 years are at risk of being raped. The victims are likely to be raped by an unknown perpetrator. Rape is more likely to take place during the month of September. Most cases occur during weekends at night in the semi-urban part of Mankweng. There are more first-time victims and rape cases involved only one perpetrator.