NEWS
6 April 2016
5
RAPE CULTURE
Only one in thirteen rapes in SA reported AN-MARI SNYMAN
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act: Only one in thirteen rape cases is reported. This is according to the factchecking organisation Africa Check. They say the statistics of the South African Police Services (SAPS) cannot be taken as a correct measure of this crime because of the severe under-reporting. Africa Check also states that the reporting of rape incidents will only improve if there are substantial improvements in the services provided for victims. Basil Carnie, a registered clinical psychologist who has been practising in Cape Town for 40 years, is of the opinion that the perception exists, “and not unreasonably so”, that the protocol to be followed in incidents of rape are not consistently applied by the SAPS. According to Carnie many victims of rape and/or sexual violence are reluctant to report such incidents out of fear of not being
believed. This is especially the case when the perpetrator is a member of the victim’s own family, a family friend, neighbour or acquaintance. The victim’s fear of the consequences of reporting the incident exacerbates matters, because the fear of retribution plays a huge role. Carnie says the sense of anticipated guilt and potential alienation within the family only serves to further complicate matters. Another fear is to have to appear in court, and particularly having to endure cross-examination. Victims often feel guilty after cross-examination, as if they themselves had actively encouraged the incident of rape or sexual molestation. Due to societal factors and a “culture of rape” it doesn’t take much to convince oneself that one has “encouraged” the rape to take place. A fear of being perceived as “dirty” or “tainted” when one has been raped, also exists.
Are rape whistles enough? NATION NYOKA
At the “End Rape culture” protest last Wednesday on the Red Square , Khadija Bawa stressed the importance of the safety of female students on campus to a crowd of approximately 300 students. Students at the gathering asked whether there is a “rape culture” problem at Stellenbosch University (SU) and whether enough is being done to combat this. They also expressed their frustration with the answers given to them during the gathering by SU representatives who attended the meeting. The group were addressed by professor Amanda Gouws, chair of the Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee for staff, Nicolette van den Eijkel, chief director: facilities management, doctor Birgit Schreiber, senior director of Student Affairs and Sexual Harassment, and Louis Vlok, chair of the Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee for students. “They did not address the questions and the issues that were bought to the fore,” said Cher Petersen, an MFM presenter. She said the speakers were “trying to placate students into submitting to the status quo”. Janet Heald said the academics and SU Board “feel that it is an ‘us versus them’ thing and therefore it is easy to get defensive”. According to her “it’s good to say we want to make this campus more inclusive, but we need choices”. She said women cannot rely solely on a phone number when they are in need of help. Recently female students were given whistles in order to ward off attacks. Third year BA Development and Environmental student Danielle Vraagom was uncertain about the effectiveness of these whistles. “Rape whistles are not useful. The last thing on my mind is taking out a whistle when I am running to save my dignity.” Although Vraagom was glad that the whistles were also given to male students, she thinks some do not take it seriously. “Some guys blow it as jokes when they drive or run past female residences.” Another SU student, Curtley Rossouw, is concerned about overall safety on campus. “There are too many rapes taking
“Will I still be loved unconditionally or be perceived to be pure and morally upright?” is often cited by victims as a fear in anticipation of reporting an incident of rape or sexual molestation. Professor Amanda Gouws from Stellenbosch University says that if one looks specifically at rape on campus, the most common is date rape, where the victim most of the time also blames herself for ending up in the situation. Gouws also blames the “rape culture” on campus. According to her society also tries to “normalise” rape by what is called secondary victimisation, such as blaming alcohol, the time, place, or clothing that the victim wore. When asked about the fact that only 14 % of the reported rape cases actually get to court and in only 7 % of these cases the perpetrator is found guilty, she said the time these cases take and a lack of witnesses are to be blamed.
Emergency numbers: Campus security (24h): 021 808 2333
Delta Search and Rescue - 24h emergency number: 021 851-3559 Ambulance: 999/10177
Medi-Clinic Hospital: 021 886 9999
US Unit for Equality: Victoriastreet 39 / 021 808 3136 / unfair@sun.ac.za Campus Health Service (weekdays 08:00 - 17:00): 021 808 3496
24h Psychology Crisis Service Service (strictly confidential): 082 557 0880 Lifeline Cape Town: 021 592 2601 HIV Helpline: 0800 012 322
THE VOICE SA
place. Of course, women, and even men, don’t feel safe, especially if there is no clarity and directness from leaders on how the situation will be rectified.” According to Vlok, male rape do take place in Stellenbosch as well. Jamie Paulser said the university needs to get rid of the “men in black” (the private security company), as they reinforce misogyny in their treatment of females. She also said cameras need to be installed at the entrances of all residences.
“The last thing on my mind is taking out a whistle when I am running to save my dignity” Michael Williams, a third year BA student, said that even with Campus Security, “we still have incidents such as rape taking place”. He said “there is not a lot of reason” for female students to feel safe. According to John Ruiters, visiting warden at Huis De Villiers, the well-being of students is important. He stressed that counselling services are at hand for those who need it. Adré van Lill, HK member at Huis de Villiers, sent out an email asking students to be vigilant and to ensure they walk in groups following an alleged rape incident at Harmonie. She also emphasised that students should phone the SU’s Protection Services should they feel unsafe to walk alone. Axolile Qina, SRC president who also spoke at the gathering, admitted that the SRC has not done enough to deal with the “rape culture” in Stellenbosch. According to Qina a committee would be set up to investigate male residences’ role in the objectification of women. The Rector’s Management Team has also appointed a task team in March to investigate the “rape culture” at the institution and make the necessary recommendations. A memorandum with a list of student demands was handed to management at the protest. Bawa said: “This is not the end. It is important for leaders to make people feel safe on this campus. This is not only about rape; it is about rape culture.”
Francis Bowers battled against Michelle Moodie on The Voice SA and came out on top.
PHOTO: M-Net
Bowers to jazz up SA music scene DANE HANSEN
Stellenbosch University’s Francis Bowers, a participant on the reality show and singing competition The Voice SA, aims to change the way South African jazz is viewed locally. Bowers, a postgraduate student in marketing, has made it through to the Battle Rounds in latter stages of the competition. He aims to make his voice heard on the South African jazz scene. Through his unique position on The Voice SA, Bowers hopes to spread the jazz genre’s influence, particularly in Stellenbosch. “Very few know that Stellenbosch University has a fantastic jazz band, and I’ve been singing with them for several years now. I’d love more students to become aware of jazz music as a genre.” Bowers believe it is his duty to
deliver good performances to his fans, which means he needs to look after himself. “I’m in a position where I need to make sure my voice and I are in good shape.” The jazz singer believes that South Africa is in a formidable position to make niche and independent music like jazz more accessible. “The South African music industry is lucky in that it is quite open. “We have indie, rock, afro-jazz and kwaito genres. “South Africa has a good balance of music,” Bowers said. He believes that The Voice SA is a great platform which encourages contestants to sing a range of local tunes. “When doing song battles on the show, there are songs by Lira and Karen Zoid, which means there is rock to gospel songs for a range of
local flavour.” He says the question remains how accessible the music is to local people. “Local music isn’t as widely distributed as it should be. “Many international musicians distribute their work through social media spaces like YouTube, yet this isn’t the trend in South Africa. “Instead, artists try to reach their fans through live shows, but the problem is that fans might not have financial means to support their favourite local musicians.” For the moment, Bowers is focussing on being a musical ambassador for Stellenbosch University and South Africa. “My style is very listenerfriendly and relaxed, the type that is appropriate for different occasions and different people,” he said.