This statement was approved by the survivor: The Dean of Students' Division has received a report of an alleged rape involving a first-year Rhodes University student. The incident took place late on Friday night, at a local pub. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Services and is under investigation. A suspect has been detained.
The student is receiving medical care and rape crisis counselling and is getting full support.
It is a tragic reality that rape does occur at Rhodes and that both men and women are at risk. The associated stigma means that often survivors delay reporting the incident or seeking help because they are ashamed, or fear retribution or complicated legal proceedings. I urge all students to report such incidents immediately, so that we can assist. There is absolutely no shame or blame attached to being assaulted, whether by another student, a partner, a friend, or a stranger.
If you have been raped or assaulted, there are several ways to report it, and a strong network exists at Rhodes to ensure that you receive support.
Please contact the Psychological Emergency Line (082 803 0177) or see the Rhodes University Sexual Assault Protocol for a step-by-step guide to dealing with rape http://www.ru.ac.za/oweek/
Vivian de Klerk
DEAN OF STUDENTS
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