Go purple and help yourself and others!

Although the rape statistics for South Africa are controversial, any act of rape or violence is one too many. This is exacerbated by incidents not reported to the SAP, especially in the case of young children.

Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is the medical term given to the response that most survivors have to rape. It is very important to note that RTS is the natural response of a psychologically healthy person to the trauma of rape so these symptoms do not constitute a mental disorder or illness. The most powerful factor in determining how people respond to rape is the nature of the traumatic event itself. Not only is there the element of surprise, the threat of death and the threat of injury, there is also the violation of the person. This violation is physical, emotional and moral and associated with the closest human intimacy of sexual contact. The intention of the rapist is often to profane this most private aspect of the person and render the victim utterly helpless. Rape by its very nature is intentionally designed to produce psychological trauma. It is form of organised social violence comparable only to the combat of war. We get nowhere in our understanding of Rape Trauma Syndrome if we think of rape as simply being unwanted sex. Where combat veterans suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, rape survivors experience similar symptoms on a physical, behavioural and psychological level.

The GO PURPLE project is an awareness campaign in honour of women and men who have not just survived rape or violence but who have also forgiven and found true victory in Christ. We have staa number of aims including the training of more trauma counselors, the breaking of the silence caused by false shame, the influencing of policies surrounding legal and forensic procedures that traumatize rape victims, awareness of the vast number of survivors, the message of hope in Christ due to the truth that our lives did not end! Purple has so many significant meanings which we claim for these precious women and men and the many who will still be confronted with this painful injustice.

The team visited Secunda and shared their precious message. To join (R30 @ month) and benefit from all the services they provide, contact annari@mweb.co.za or call 016 931 3878