Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 25, 2007
The group argues that only one in nine rape victims report the matter to the police. This is due to the victims' lack of confidence in the justice system, fear of stigma, being blamed for the rape and threat of further violence.
On average 52000 cases of rape were reported each year, according to SAPS crime statistics over the past six years. Figures released in July this year showed that 52617 cases of rape were reported between 2006 and 2007.
Other facts about rape in South Africa:
# According to the Institute for Security Studies, about 76 percent of rapes involved people known to each other.
# Myths that sleeping with a virgin can cure HIV/Aids still fuel the rape of babies and young children.
In the 1980's, rapes in the country averaged around 16000 annually but climbed to over 24000 in the early 1990's, and have increased by more than 75 percent from 2001/2002 to 2006/2007.
# Over 55000 females were reported raped in 2004/2005, the highest figure in the past five years.
# The Northern Cape recorded the lowest incidents of rape, averaging below 1500 annually.
# The Eastern Cape has the highest percentage increase of reported rapes, up 15.3 percent in the past five years.
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