South Africa is currently in its’ 18th year of democracy. With democracy, according to many scholarly articles, comes development, prosperity and growth. Undoubtedly South Africa was grown significantly in the past 18 years. Life expectancy, literacy levels and economic growth and development have increased. However, according to rape statistics in 2011 (17 years after democracy), a women in South Africa has a greater of being raped than learning how to read. Women’s groups in South Africa have estimated that a woman in South Africa is raped every 26 seconds. It is not just woman who are victims of rape, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), there has been a 2.6 % increase in overall sexual offences against children under the age of 18, from a period of 2006 to 2011. This illustrates that tragically, South Africa is facing a serious pandemic of rape.
The effects and consequences that rape has on the victims, their family and ordinary South African citizens are enormous. Probably one of the main effects that rape has on South Africa as a whole is that it has tarnished South Africa’s image, specifically the manner in which the rest of the world views South Africa. Tourists are afraid to visit South Africa because of its’ high incident of rape.
Most rape crises facilities in South Africa are not open 24/7, and rape can occur in the oddest hours. Often rapes can occur in the evening or early hours of the morning. If victims wait for rape crises facilities to open in the morning at 7 or 8 am, critical evidence can be lost (such as DNA) and the victim could be persuaded by family or the offender not to press charges.
Due to this large gap in the market, Step 1 The Veronique Kapitans Foundation was formed in 2011. Step 1 is a Non Profit Organisation which aims to provide every South African citizen with access to medical assistance, emotional support and to better the quality of life for those who have suffered as a result of rape.
Unlike most rape crises facilities, Step 1 is open 24/7. Furthermore Step 1 will have a toll free number , this is critical for victims who do not have airtime. The most significant service which Step 1 provides is that a victim or family member can phone Step 1 to be picked up from their location, and a driver (who will be accompanied with a policeman) will be sent to fetch the victim free of charge. This is a critical service, because in most cases victims cannot reach rape crises facilities and police stations due to a lack of transportation.
Step 1 inevitably aims to equip people to deal with the aftermath of rape, building relationships with various stakeholders to promote integrated delivery of services. By doing this rape victims will be equipped with the necessary skills and counselling to rebuild their lives and have a well deserved second chance.
Step 1 was inspired by its’ CEO and founder Veronique Kapitans. A rape survivor herself, she is passionate about helping women and children rebuild their lives and spreading the message that there is life after rape.
There are two main projects under Step 1’s umbrella, The Doornkop Crèche for needy kids and Project Inspire. Step 1 has successfully completed two food and blanket drives for the Doornkop Crèche in March and June 2012. The long term objective of Step 1 is to have a home for abandoned children, this is called Project Inspire.
The greatest challenge which Step 1 faces is securing funding. This is a constant challenge as Step1 relies on donations and sponsorships as revenue streams.
Step 1 feels like it is making a difference in the Johannesburg community because it provides an essential service for rape victims. In the long run Step 1 will assist in decreasing suicide rates of rape victims, decreasing HIV/Aids rates (of rape victims), increasing the number of rape convictions and increasing the number of reported cases of rape. By doing this Step 1 is leading South Africa in the right direction, which is to empower South African women and children.
For more information on how you can assist contact: Veronique Kapitans (CEO/Founder)
Cell: 076 462 0162
Email: Veronique@vkfoundation.co.za
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