Mending the Wrong: A Survey of South African Social Services in Addressing Corrective Rape

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

According to Human Rights Watch, South Africa experiences the highest rate of sexual violence compared to most countries in the world. Due to a heightened sense of homophobia in South Africa, many individuals within the LGBT community are victims of corrective rape. In a recent South African government report on the extent of corrective rape, researchers found that one in four males reported that they had sexual intercourse with a female who did not consent. Additionally, the report also estimated that a South African female is raped every 26 seconds. Although the South African government has sought to address this social problem, sexual assault and corrective rape continues to persist. Unfortunately, many victims of corrective rape experience obstacles and challenges in obtaining social services to overcome their victimization. Given this reality, this paper explores organizations that seek to assist victims of corrective rape in South Africa. The findings from this paper could offer policy implications to provide an adequate response for victims of corrective rape.

Authors

• Jacqueline Carsello, Arcadia University

• Favian Guertin-Martin, Arcadia University