If you are a female, chances are 1 in 10 that you will be a victim of sexual asault. The attacker makes no distinction between age, race, appearance or any other characteristics. In this age every woman should know of common sense is your best defence against attack. Because every rape is different, there's no one solution for thwarting an attack.

DURING A RAPE try to remain calm.

Memorise what the rapist (not his clothes) looks like so that you will be able to make identification later. If there is a gang, try to remember at least one attacker. Do not make it obvious that you are doing this.

Fighting back may simply give the rapist sexual pleasure and increase your risk of being injured or killed. Remain calm unless you believe you can fight him off or deter them. You have a better chance of this in a public place than in an isolated setting or in your home which is where 65% of women get raped. In South Africa 85% of rapists are armed with a knife (most commonly) or a firearm - do not take chances with your life.

Rape refers to a situation in which any person sexually penetrates you, using their genital organs or any object, without your consent. It is important to note that rape is not gender- specific and includes all forms of sexual penetration. After being raped do not shower, bath, eat, drink, wash your hands or brush your teeth immediately. You must wait to be examined by a doctor first. At the SAPS station you must be supported by a female official and taken to a victim-friendly waiting room.

Your docket will be allocated to the Family, Child and Sexual Offences Unit of SAPS, who will collect the necessary evidence. Forensic evidence such as DNA is especially crucial when dealing with under age victims. The investigating officer has to visit the scene of the crime to seize possible exhibits such as used condoms, bed sheets, clothing, etc.

TCCs are based at primary healthcare centres such as public hospitals or clinics close to communities where rape happens frequently.TCCs also aim to ease the pain of rape survivors, who are often retraumatised as they tell their stories or provide evidence to investigators and counsellors they help cut down the time it takes to finalise cases.

At TCC you will be offered immediate trauma counseling, medical examination, post-exposure medication to prevent HIV infection.

Get contact numbers of the investigating officer, the TCC and the case docket details. Some TCCs remain open daily for 24 hours. The doctor will examine you. You will be asked to sign a consent form for medical examination and blood specimens. The doctor will look for forensic evidence, which will be used in court to prove that you were raped by a particular person. If the medical examination takes place within 72 hours of the rape, DNA tests will be done and post-exposure drugs are administered, after which you are offered the opportunity to take a bath or shower and change into clean clothes.

All children must be assisted by an intermediary (mediator) to testify in court. A court preparation officer will introduce you to the court environment and will also explain the intermediary system to you, if it is a case where an intermediary may be used. On the day of the trial, you will be kept in a friendly waiting room, removed from all other witnesses and accused persons. Rape is a serious and violent crime. It is up to you as a victim to report the crime and make sure that the rapists are arrested.

For more information contact the National Prosecuting Authority on 012 845 6000.