Safe haven opened for victims of GBV and rape in Diepsloot - 26 May 2024

Department of Health 2024/05/26 - 22:00



The newly built O.R Tambo Clinical Forensic Medical Service Centre (CMFS) is set to provide comprehensive health services and a safe haven for the victims of gender-based violence and sexual assault in Diepsloot. 

Diepsloot is one of the areas with a high rate of GBV in the province which had no post-violence care centre resulting in victims traveling long distances to other designated centers in the district to access medical and psychological services.  The establishment of the facility is part of measures aimed at responding to the scourge of GBV.

The facility boasts a range of allied services offered by clinical psychologists, professional nurses, an enrolled nurse and a social worker. It has three general consulting rooms, a child-friendly consulting room and a specialised physical assault room, which doubles as a procedure room.

The centre's child-friendly space is innovatively designed to allow children to testify remotely, sparing them the trauma of court appearances. The design of the facility takes into account the delicate nature of the services provided, ensuring that each space is not only functional but also comforting and secure for those who need its services the most. 

Currently, there are 26 designated health facilities (CFMS Centres and Thuthuzela Care Centres) that provide specialised services for victims and survivors of GBV, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence spread across the province. In 2023/2024 financial year, a total of 11 125 new sexual offences and 4 826 domestic violence patients were seen across the designated health facilities. About 31% (3499) of the sexual offence patients presented after 72 hours of the incident and nearly 13% (1275) tested HIV positive.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed this development as "long-awaited and a symbol of our resolve to combat the deep-seated issues of gender-based violence and abuse in society by providing quality forensic services alongside compassionate care, to support the most affected and vulnerable groups within our communities." 

Complimenting the O.R Tambo Clinical Forensic Medical Service Centre is the Men's Clinic located within the same vicinity. It is a facility designed to meet the healthcare needs of men by providing quality comprehensive Primary Healthcare services. The establishment of the Men's clinic aims to create a personal and confidential environment specifically designed to facilitate discussions on men's most sensitive health issues, which are often more complex than a simple check-up. 

The Gauteng Department of Health has partnered with various stakeholders with common goals to promote advocacy on HIV with a goal to eradicate the disease. These partners the Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa and First for Women Foundation.

 


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