As April unfolds into Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a family attorney says it is time to ignite conversations about education and prevention, fostering a culture of respect and empowerment that can change the narrative around sexual violence for future generations.
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April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and this year, the theme “25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward” serves as a salient reminder of how far we have come in addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence, yet underlines the urgent work that remains.
Despite the strides made over the past quarter-century, experts, including family law attorney Susan Abro, say that mere awareness is not sufficient. A robust framework of education and early intervention is critical for preventing abuse and empowering communities. “Over the past 25 years, we have made important strides in recognising and addressing sexual violence. However, awareness alone is not enough,” says Abro. “We need to actively educate young people, both boys and girls, about consent, respect, and the realities of sexual assault so that we can prevent it before it happens.”
The definition of sexual assault extends far beyond the indisputable act of rape; it encompasses a range of unwanted sexual behaviours, including inappropriate touching, coercion, harassment, and exploitation, says Abro. It is an insidious issue that can occur within families, marriages, intimate relationships, and between strangers alike.
“Consent is non-negotiable in every circumstance. No means no, regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved,” Abro says. This fundamental understanding of consent is particularly vital among South Africa's high school pupils, where misinformation and peer pressure often skew perceptions of relationships and personal boundaries.
“Many young people are simply not being taught what constitutes sexual assault,” Abro explains. “Boys need to learn about respect, accountability, and consent, while girls must be empowered to assert their boundaries and understand their rights. This education is essential to protect them from unintended consequences like unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.”
The need for this education is underscored when considering South Africa's alarmingly high levels of gender-based violence. Sexual assault is frequently interlinked with domestic violence, an issue President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national disaster — a clear signal for urgent attention, resources, and accountability to combat these crimes and support survivors.
"This crisis has been recognised at the highest level," Abro notes. "Addressing it requires a collective effort from families, schools, communities, and the justice system.”
Support services play a critical role in the recovery journey of survivors. Organisations such as the Open Door Crisis Care Centre in Durban and the Thuthuzela Care Centres across the nation offer essential services, including counselling, medical care, and legal guidance.
“These centres provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors, helping them transition from trauma to healing and empowerment,” Abro says. “It is crucial that people know these services exist and feel encouraged to access them.”
For survivors of sexual assault, swift action is vital. Abro offers clear guidance on what to do in the aftermath:
Equally important are the steps to avoid immediately following an assault:
“These steps may feel overwhelming in the moment, but they are important in ensuring that forensic evidence can be collected and that perpetrators can be held accountable,” Abro explains. She adds that while supporting survivors remains a priority, prevention through education is equally vital.
“We need to shift from a culture of silence to one of empowerment and action,” she concludes. “By educating our youth, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can begin to create a safer future for all.”
For support, individuals can contact the Open Door Crisis Care Centre at (031) 709 2679 or visit www.opendoor.org.za. To locate your nearest Thuthuzela Centre, visit https://www.npa.gov.za/thuthuzela-care-centres.
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