Rape Crisis Helderberg - Putting Back The Pieceshelp@crisiscentre.org.za - 24hr 083 484 9409 - Helderberg Hospital, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West1st Step To Healing
Rape is an act of POWER and CONTROL and sex is used as the weapon to achieve this.
Rape is NEVER the survivors fault - rapists make the choice to rape and they are to blame. Silence does NOT mean consent.
RAPE IS NOT ABOUT SEX...

Rape is a CRIME of violence that is committed through a sexual act. Reporting rape takes enormous courage - survivors do not take such steps lightly.
   

 BREAK THE SILENCE - TELL YOUR STORY CONFIDENTIALLY

 This is an opportunity for you to tell your story. Everything you write here is only read by the counsellor, Reinette, and she NEVER shares your story with anyone. You don't have to go through this alone. She would love to help you. Regardless of who abused you, how often, or what the nature of the abuse was, know that it should NOT have happened. We want you to believe that you were not to blame and you are not alone. Rape and sexual abuse is NEVER the survivors fault - perpetrators make the choice to rape and abuse and they are to blame.
WE ARE REALLY SORRY THAT YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL.  
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Subscribe to our Rape Crisis Newsletter, our Fashion Show Newsletter or both.

Fashion Show Newsletter

Rape Crisis Newsletter

 
       
The Rape Crisis Newsletter is our general newsletter that includes news, needs, fundraising events, and so forth. This newsletter goes out whenever we have a need or news (we try to keep the number of newsletters you receive to a minimum).
  
The Fashion Show Newsletter is for anyone who would like to stay informed about opportunities to get involved with this fundraising event. This Newsletter goes out from about June till October, with one or two in between.
 
We do not EVER give your email to anyone. You will receive news about Rape Crisis Helderberg, information about upcoming events, needs that Rape Crisis Helderberg has and important news - THAT'S IT!  We promise.
 
  
 
THE RCH TEAM
Back Row: Colleen Louw, Reinette Evans (with Leah Marais), Anne Marais (with Lucy Marais) & Rina Broodryk.
Middle Row: Elize Harmse & Lynda Wright
Front Row: Ruth Madito
Photo insert: Gill Van Rensburg             MORE ABOUT THE TEAM
 
PLEASE MAKE A DONATION
Survivors of rape and abuse ne donation:
 
WE MADE A DIFFERENCE TO THAT ONE
Photo courtesy of John Curley
 
We cannot save all the broken lives out there but we help the one's we pass and simply say,
"We made a difference to that one."
 
You too can make a difference, click here.
NEW
 SUPPORT GROUP IN NORTHERN SUBURBS

Vicky

Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse can now find help at a new support group in Kraaifontein. Vicky Smit leads this group that meets weekly on a Tuesday evening. This group has the full backing of Rape Crisis Helderberg and uses the same 12-Step approach that has been successful at our other groups and world-wide. For more information read up about our SIA Support Groups Here and call Vicky on 084 583 6749 or email survivors@mweb.co.za
 
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
 
Our childrens safety is something we should NEVER take lightly. In our drive to promote safety for women, hand in hand with this come our children. Take a look at these products, sites and groups. If you do decide to purchase anything, please mention that you learned about it from us!! Thank you for taking the time to read through this information - do it for your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren - in fact ANY children. You may just be saving yourself or someone else alot of heartache and maybe even a life!
(We are not affiliated with any of these groups, products or services)
 
4aKid
This is a new stunning product range that Anne at our office has purchased for her
daughter.  It enables parents to keep their children more safe in crowds, in malls and if the child does go missing, for others to identify the child.
 
Fight against rape, violence  and domestic abuse
This Facebook group of over 292,036  members worldwide gives a voice to those who want to do something to prevent these cruel acts. Be a hero and stand up for those who can't do it for themselves and be a rock for them to lean on by giving your support.
 
Rape Crisis Helderberg is a non-profit organization committed to help survivors of rape and abuse overcome their trauma through caring counselling amongst all the people in the Helderberg basin and surroundings.
PLEASE WATCH YOUR DRINKS:
About 25% of the cases we are seeing at the moment involve spiked drinks.
MAKE SURE FRIENDS GET HELP:
This happens to young and old.
If you know someone who has been raped (or suspect that they might have been raped) make sure they get to us IMMEDIATELY to get medication to prevent HIV and pregnancy - within 4 hours if possible and NO LATER THAN 72 HOURS.
WORLD CUP WARNINGS:
Human trafficking is really happening. This article highlights the proplem leading up to the world cup of human trafficking. The networks involved have been targeting young people from poor rural areas , but now they are even targeting the teenagers and children in wealthier suburbs. Look at these ideas of what you can do. Please spread the warning and see StopTraffickingOfPeople for more info. It is ALWAYS important for parents to be careful about their children’s safety, but we are including this warning especially for the months leading up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We are not suggesting that anyone should over-react to this but do keep this in mind during the next few months to be careful and rather be safe and cautious than for something to happen. Especially in venues (even supposedly "safe" venues) where there are lots of people. Human Trafficking Helpline 0800 737 283 (Nation-wide, 24-hours a day).
CHARITY BOOK SALE:
 We are collecting books for the charity book sale at the Somerset Mall between 27-30 May. Please drop off all your unwanted books at our crisis centre (cnr. Batavia & Oldenland Rd, Somerset West) between now and May, so we can raise lots of money at the book sale. Last year we raise R11,000-00 and we can do even better this year with YOUR HELP!
HELP OPTIONS

24 HR HELP LINE 083 484 9409

24-HOUR HELPLINE
083 484 9409 Call Reinette for help if you need it
24 HR Help Line 083 484 9409
help@crisiscentre.org.za
EMAIL
Write to Reinette confidentially, no one else will see it:
help@crisiscentre.org.za
Support Group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
SUPPORT
We have various support groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Somerset West:
Every Monday night at 19h00 we have a support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse at our offices, cnr. Batavia & Oldenland Road, Somerset West, South Africa. Call 083 484 9409 or 021 852 5620 or help@crisiscentre.org.za for more info.
Nomzamo/Lwandle and Sir Lowry's Pass:
Call Ruth on 072 493 4267 to attend.
Kraaifontein:
Call Vicky on 084 583 6749 or survivors@mwweb.co.za to attend.
www.siawso.org Survivors of Incest Anonymous World Service Office
Recommended Books
BOOKS
Recommended books that help survivors through the healing process.
Legal Help
LEGAL INFO 
Free legal info is available from Rape Crisis Helderberg regarding laying charges with the police, court cases, preparation for court and interdicts. A further option for quality legal advice from a team of lawyers on an ongoing basis for a fee of R60 p.m. from Her Law.
Her Law Call 0861 994499 - quality legal service for only R60 p.m.
Spiritual Help
SPIRITUAL
Many survivors have spiritual struggles and questions. If you need spiritual help we have a counsellor who is experienced in helping survivors with spiritual struggles. Ask for an appointment with Gill. We also recommend the resources available at www.kanaanministries.org

 
FASHION SHOW
THANK YOU'S
From everyone at Rape Crisis, we want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the businesses and individuals who helped to make the 2009 Fashion Show such a great success!
  
A BIG BIG THANK YOU to:
  
Table Hostesses:
Anne & Natasha
Candy Malan & Rene Jones
Capitec Staff
Caroline Ritson
Charlene
Daphne O Dea
Dee Moskoff & the Connect Network
Des McCloud & Erinvale ECHO ladies
Elize Harmse
Erika Kruger
Harriette Herring
Ilene Power
Inge Mechnig
Jennifer Fullard
Jenny Findlay
Judy Wilkes
June Kroukamp
Kim
Liesl
Liz Calvert
Lynda Wright
Lyzette McMaster
Natalie Railoun
Reinette and Ruth
Rome Zurname
Sandra
Sarah Allwood
Sarien Lategan
Sharifa Daniels
Sharon Te Roller
Wendy
  
MC , Models, Entertainment & Volunteers:
Amanda & her daughter, Models
Caroline & her children, Models
Clifford Wright, Volunteer
Cotton Craft, Ray
Elize Harmse, Volunteer
Evora
Gill Van Rensburg
Giselle, Model
Grace & her mom, Model
Jeannine Lategan, Model & Guest Speaker
Karmen, Model
Lea Chapman, Volunteer
Leah Marais, Model
Leanne Kalp, Model & Co-ordinator
Linda, Amoré & Tiaan, Singing & Sound
Martin Van Niekerk, Photographer
Melany & her children, Models
Natasha Loubser, Volunteer
Oh So Cute Tie Dye Clothing, Felicity Harris
Pamela, Model
Patricia McNaught-Davis, MC
Rape Crisis Bargain Shop, Rina Broodryk
Rodney Wright, Volunteer
Solveig Originals, Solveig & Des
  
Somerset College:
Melanie Barnard
Mr. Am
Brin
   
Prizes, Goodie Bags & Flowers:
ABSA, Leenta Marx/Glenda Steyn/Milly/Marianne/Estelle/Hannetjie
Appletizer
Associated Magazines, Vanessa Marks & Melt
Bayer Health Care, René Bosch
Beauty On Audas Team
Brothers, Andrew Visser
Celtic Manor & Spa, Jane Otton
Circle Pharmacy, René
Cottage Hair Studio, Trudie
Daphne O Dea
Dischem, Sharelene
Elizabeth Arden, Luke Bryson & Andrew Hart
Erika Kruger
Erinvale Hotel, Jean-Paul                      
Glomail                        
Indigo Cosmetics
Johnson & Johnson                             
Joy Magazines, Peter
Lanzerac Spa, Lindi de Wet                   
Linda Vlok        
Lindy Taberer
Miglio, Petra Vosloo & Brenda Arnott                
Nestle, Irene Naudé
Rain Africa, Leandry
Rosemary Raitt
Sasha International       
Secrets Aromatics, Adriana
Sequoia Jewellery, Leanne Dorrington
Skin Correctives, Karen
Spar Fine Food & Wine, Mrs Esport
Spier Hotel, Melanie & Spier Volunteers             
Steve Trimbly   
Sylko, Caroline Ramsamy
The Flower Market
Vergelegen, Don Tooth             
Willowbrook Lodge & D’vine Restaurant, Lisa Benini
 
And all the helping hands, kind and special people that made this all possible!
THANK YOU.
 
 
 
WE ARE ON FACEBOOK!
 
I GOT FLOWERS TODAY by anonymous person
"I got flowers today.
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night
And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said
because he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today...[more]"
 
LATEST STUDY ON RAPE IN SOUTH AFRICA
 
In June 2009 the latest study on rape in South Africa[3] was carried out by Professor Rachel Jewkes of the Medical Research Council. Findings included:
•27.6% of the men interviewed said they had raped a woman or girl
•73% of those who had committed rape, had carried out their first assault before the age of 20
•One in twenty of the men interviewed had raped in the past year
•Nearly half of those who had carried out a rape said they had done so more than once
The results are widely believed to provide an excellent picture of what is happening across the country. South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape reported to the police in the world. While there are no official figures to indicate the actual number of rapes, estimates from the National Institute on Crime Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO) claims that 1 in 20 women report the crime [1], while a police study estimated that only 1 in 36 cases are reported [2].
 
 
2009 XMAS RAFFLE WINNERS!!!
Well done to all the winners!
The draw took place on 21 December 2009!!!!  
1st Prize: G. Burns won a Leather Arm Chair from Panga Panga Furniture
2nd Prize: W. Brugh won 2 Nights for 2 at Spier Hotel (including full English breakfasts)
3rd Prize: M. Retief won Adirondack Chairs from Beachcomber Home Decor
4th Prize: Christelle Martin won a Tobi Fabric Steamer from Verimark
5th Prize: Ben Ojwang won a Gift Voucher from Something Silver PLUS Gift Voucher from Friedman & Cohen PLUS Car Care Kit from Taylor Automation
Thank you to everyone who entered this raffle and to the generous sponsors who donated the fabulous prizes!
We don't currently have any raffles on the go, but be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that we can let you know when the next raffle will be held.
 
FEATURED TEAM MEMBER
This week we feature:
"RUTH"
Counsellor and Project Co-ordinator for the Township Offices. Ruth Madito joined Rape Crisis Helderberg in 2003. She has over 16 years experience working with victims of abuse and domestic violence. In addition, Ruth also has years of specialised experience working with rape and abuse victims, 3 years experience as the safe house mother for our safe house, experience as a full-time HIV and AIDS counsellor. Ruth has been invaluable to us as our only Xhosa speaking counsellor and also in translating literature into Xhosa. At present she is the Project Co-ordinator at our satelight counselling offices in the surrounding townships doing counselling, support groups, community awareness, workshops for women and educational programs for the youth. Ruth has also worked as a crisis centre volunteer since 2003 .
Cell: 072 493 4267
Helderberg Hospital Office (Friday): 021-852 5620
Nomzamo / Lwandle Office (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
Sir Lowry's Pass Offfice (Thursday)
 
SEXUAL VIOLENCE & ABUSE
Sadly there are so many ways that a person can be abused it is impossible to list all of them, but here are a few quick links:
 
Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
  Sexually abused as a child click here
  Write to someone click here
Rape Survivors
  I was raped What can I do?
  Write to someone click here
Male Rape Survivors
  I was raped What can I do?
  I want to die click here
  I am HIV positive click here
  I can't face this click here
  Write to someone click here
Husband/Wife Is Gay
(a very unique kind of pain)
  I can't face this click here
  Write to someone click here
How to help a friend
  Click here for some tips on what you can do
  If your friend was just raped, this is what to do click here
  Sometimes helping someone can be very stressful, write to someone click here to get support for yourself too
Call 083 484 9409 for help and advice right now!
 
 
 
 
 
Visitors:
Saying "NO" to sex truly does mean saying "NO" to sex. Rape is a violent, traumatic and life changing experience that can happen to ANYONE in almost any situation.

What Is Rape Trauma Syndrome

What To Do If You Are Raped
 
Donate Here

 
Newsletter
   
 
After being raped, even if you do not open a case please:
  • Get evidence collected within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours (the police will take you to the rape crisis centre or hospital)
  • Get anti-retrovirals & emergency contraception within 72 hours (anti-retrovirals are free to rape victims at government hospitals)
  • Get antibiotic medication to prevent other sexually transmitted infections
  • Get counselling from a person trained in rape trauma counselling - it is never too late
You can get all of the above free at our office at Helderberg Hospital, Somerset West
 
Call 083 484 9409 (24 hours a day)
or 021-852 5620 (office hours)
 
You do not have to go through this alone.
   
 RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME is a recognised response to rape and sexual abuse and it includes a variety of problems including various long-term consequences, the symptoms are similar to Post Traumatic Stress. Although many rape survivors suffer from the symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome, not all survivors respond to rape in the same way. It is important to treat each rape survivor as an individual and to try and understand what the rape means to that particular person. Coping with being raped may also be more difficult if family, friends and colleagues are not supportive and/or blame the survivor. After the shock has passed, some survivors try to act as if nothing has happened. This is their way of trying to block out the rape, because they feel that they won't be able to cope if they let themselves remember what happened to them. However, if a rape survivor is going to recover well from the impact of a rape, s/he must let her/himself remember the rape and feel whatever s/he is feeling inside. When s/he does start remembering and feeling, s/he will also start suffering from symptoms, but these usually improve gradually over time. It often helps a survivor to have counselling if s/he is experiencing symptoms that upset her/him. The effects of rape are long term. Rape survivors never forget being raped, but many learn how to deal with the memory. Studies have shown that the symptoms suffered by a rape survivor three months after a rape usually continue over the next three to four years, although they do seem to improve over time. Sadly South Africa holds the for the highest rapes world-wide. Interpol estimates that over 1 million women are raped each year in South Africa.
 
We want to help you to "PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER AGAIN". 
  
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