Life after sexual molestation

Well-known Binneland actress Sandi Schultz shared her gripping life story with viewers on kykNET's mental health series Lewe met this week. Sandi was molested by a family member from a very young age until her 16^th birthday. At age 28, she was raped in her home by the notorious Yeoville rapist. For years, Sandi struggled with feelings of remorse and guilt. She lived in America for 12 years, but returned to South Africa to testify against her rapist in court. She started talking about the rape and her childhood molestation, and realised that what had happened to her was not her fault.

More about sexual molestation

According to a survey conducted by the United Nations between 1998 and 2000 South Africa tops the list of rapes per capita. In 1998, some 4,000 Johannesburg women were questioned and one out of every three was a rape victim. It is estimated that more than 40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetime, although only one out of every nine of these cases will likely be reported.

If a person is sexually assaulted, it must be reported to the police. This is important for the following reasons:

• The assaulter will be arrested and will therefore not be able to attack others as well.
• It offers the victim the opportunity to talk to a psychiatrist or counsellor about the traumatic event.
• A complete physical examination will be done, and in cases where the attacker’s DNA is available, it can help with later arrests and sentencing.

Take action

Helping a rape survivor

Learn the steps a rape survivor should take.

Post a question to CyberShrink

Support groups

Child Trauma Clinic

Tel: 012 998 1364

Website: www.childtrauma.co.za

Women & Men against child abuse

Tel: 011 789 8815

Website: www.wmaca.org.za

Rape Crisis Centre

Tel: 021 447 9762

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.za

Medihelp’s DVD series

The ’n Lewe met series is based on Medihelp’s popular documentary DVD series Living With, which deals with 13 different mental health conditions. More information is provided on the conditions and how they affect the people and their families who are living with these conditions. Every DVD in the series also includes an information guide containing more information on the condition and details of support groups. DVDs cost R189 each and can be ordered via their website: www.medihelplivingwith.co.za.

(Medihelp and Health24, December 2011)