Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - July 12, 2005
The man was arrested at 1.30am after police followed up on information provided by the public, Superintendent Billy Jones said.
He will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
The 27-year-old woman was on a hiking trail in the area when a naked man confronted her and raped her.
Immediately after a rape, according to Rape Crisis, survivors often experience shock, feel cold, faint, tremble, feel nauseous or vomit.
They may become pregnant or have gynaecological problems such as irregular menstruation, vaginal discharges, bladder infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
They could suffer tension headaches, back and stomach pains, sleep and appetite disturbances.
The support group's website advises victims to go to a safe place and tell the first person they can trust, and if this person is a stranger, to record their name and address.
Advice includes not washing and not throwing away clothes worn during the rape, so that the police can collect evidence.
"Whether you choose to lay a charge or not, you must go to your own doctor, hospital or clinic. You must say you have been raped and want treatment."
They advise victims to ask for the "morning after" pill to prevent pregnancy and to go back to the doctor if they experience any symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.
Victims should also have an HIV test immediately because of the risk of being infected with the virus that causes Aids. The result of that test is compared with another one taken three months later.
The virus takes longer to show up in children, so they should be retested up to 18 months after being raped.
Drugs that could prevent HIV infection are available from a health centre at any government hospital. They must be taken within 48 hours after the attack and the health-care worker will explain how they work and when to go back for follow-up doses.
050712
SA050705
Copyright © 2005 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .