Eastern Cape’s 11th care centre for GBV victims opened in Komani

The newest Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in the province was opened at Komani’s Frontier Hospital on Wednesday.

The opening of the 11th TCC in the Eastern Cape coincides with the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women & Children, starting on November 25.

The care centres are a collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the department of health to protect the dignity of rape victims and ensure privacy, and a speedy and efficient process in attending to cases.

NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said demand was high in Komani for a TCC and such centres had proved helpful in assisting sexual assault victims to open cases.

“The TCCS are one-stop centres that are internationally recognised as best practice, aimed at reducing secondary victimisation, improving conviction rates and reducing the cycle time for finalisation.”

TCCS are led by the NPA’S sexual offences & community affairs unit and provide psychosocial support, medical help and legal services.

The other centres are located at public hospitals in Butterworth, Mbizana, Cradock, Gqeberha, Qonce, Libode, Lusikisiki, Matatiele, Mdantsane and Mthatha.

“The process of reporting a GBV and/or sexual offence starts with the victim being removed from a public environment to the privacy and victim-friendly premises of the TCC. At the centre, the survivor receives immediate trauma containment and is informed of the process that will unfold. A medical examination will then be conducted by trained medical professionals.

“Medical examination is conducted within 72 hours of the offence, and survivors are given post-exposure prophylaxis, psychosocial support and, where needed, referrals for shelter services. “TCCS also ensure that victims access legal services,” Tyali said.