DEFINITION

Rape/Sexual assault is forced, manipulated, or coerced sexual contact by a stranger, friend or acquaintance. It is an act of aggression and power combined with some form of sexual activity. A person is forced into sexual contact through verbal coercion, threats, physical restraint, and /or physical violence. Consent therefore is not given.

Helpful tips in case of sexual assault

  • Try not to panic.
  • You cannot always defend yourself and your resistance may cause serious injury.
  • If the attacker appears dangerous, co-operate and try to negotiate – Submission is not consent.
  • Try to remember the attacker’s appearance – age group, race, height, hair colour, scars, tattoos, clothes, voice or jewellery.
  • Scream, yell, blow your whistle or run away if you possibly can.
  • Do not bath or change your clothes after an attack – keep all the evidence so that it can be used by the police for further investigation.
  • If no condom was used, keep the paper or cloth that you wiped yourself with.
  • In case of oral-sex, do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth.

Reporting rape and sexual assault on campus

  1. Report the incident to or phone the duty room at Protection Services -

T: +27 51 401 2911
T: +27 51 401 2634 (24 hours)

  1. The officer on duty will contact the well-trained rape Investigating Officer – Mrs Elise Saayman
  2. She will fetch the victim and make the necessary arrangements with the South African Police Services (SAPS) investigator of the Sexual Assault Unit in Bloemfontein
  3. Do not make a statement to anyone but the police official from the SAPS Sexual Assault Unit.

On-campus Victim Support Services

  • Protection Services
  • T +27 51 401 2911 or +27 51 401 2634 (24 hours)
  • Social Worker
  • T: +27 51 401 9117 or +27 73 182 3048 (Office hours)
  • Medical Practice
  • T: +27(0)51 401 2603 (Office hours)
  • HIV and AIDS Unit
  • T: +27 51 401 2998 (Office hours)
  • Staff Wellness
  • T: +27 51 401 3580 (Office hours)
  • Student Counselling and Development
  • T: +27 51 401 2853 (Office hours)

Off-campus support

Tshepong Thuthuzela Care Centre

  • Physical address: National District Hospital, Roth Avenue, Willows, Bloemfontein
  • Contact number:
  • T: +27 51 448 5028

Support group

The Social Work office at the Health and Wellness Centre offers support to students who have been raped or sexually abused, now or in the past. The purpose is to support, empower and educate victims/survivors. Confidentiality is maintained.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Msadu (Social Worker) at:

  • T: +27 51 401 9117
  • C: +27 73 182 3048
  • Physical address: Health & Wellness Centre, Old Kovsiesport Building, UFS

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