![]() In 1999, changes were made to include sexual penetration in coercive circumstances, including force, threats, abuse of power or authority. Rape was seen to be a man having unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent. The constitution incorporated one of the most progressive sex offence acts in the world, inclusive of marital rape, consensual sex acts involving a minor and restrictions in the making of pornography. South Africa’s democratic constitution of 1994 (introduced in 1996) was very advanced for its time ensuring equal rights for all, promising considerable change after the apartheid. This definition is inclusive of rape, attempted rape, gang rape as well as assault including forced sexual contact. This essay will work within the World Health Organisation’s definition which regards sexual violence as “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, but not limited to home and work” (Krug, et al. This essay will focus on the latter subject of sexual violence, showing whilst legislation is sound, there are several cultural barriers to overcome, for example the influence of traditional tribal cultures and mistrust of the police arising from the apartheid era.įirstly, it is vital to understand what is meant by the term ‘sexual violence’. This is shown by high unemployment, poverty, unequal land distribution and worryingly high rates of sexual violence against women. The Women’s Health Project, 1992, survey showed 50-60% of marriages involved physical and sexual violence (Hassim 2009, 66), showing violence against women is a normalised part of society, including in intimate relationships.Īfter twenty years of democracy, South Africa should have a state which enforces rights for all its citizens but the country has struggled to move on from apartheid. ![]() These shocking statistics are worse still by the fact that many sexual attacks in South Africa are not reported the Medical Health Council suggest only 1 in 9 attacks are (Rape Crisis, Cape Town Trust 2015). ![]() Moreover, 1 in 3 women can be expected to be raped in her lifetime (Moffat 2006, 129). Despite the strength of the legislature there are too many barriers present to combatting sexual violence.Īccused of being the ‘rape capital of the world’ by Human Rights Watch, a woman is supposedly raped in South Africa every 26 seconds( (Anderson 2000, 790) (Kapp 2006, 719)), some claim every 17 seconds (Everett 2014). Secondly, the essay will show how the legacy of apartheid has normalised violence and entrenched mistrust of the police services, the latter being one of the main obstacles to overcome in order to achieve efficient combatting of sexual violence.The conclusion will be reached that sexual violence is so complex to combat due to the numerous cultural and traditional beliefs present in South Africa. ![]() Firstly, the example of Zulu culture and the rape trial of President Zuma (2005/2006) will be used to show the justification and acceptance of sexual violence, particularly with the re-traditionalisation of South African culture. This essay will firstly lay out government legislation which is meant to protect women’s rights, arguing that the legislation itself is progressive but that the implementation of these rights is significantly hindered for numerous reasons. We can also test and treat other organs, like your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.Why is sexual violence so endemic in South Africa and why has it been so hard to combat? We diagnose and treat medical conditions in your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and other parts of your digestive system.
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