Care in the Time of Crisis: An Exploratory Analysis of Rape Crisis Centers in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The continued prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, particularly sexual violence, poses a serious challenge in achieving gender equality. In response to the surging cases of sexual offenses, the government established a multisectoral one-stop care model, the Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCCs). However, to this day, sexual violence and other forms of GBV continue to threaten the safety and security of South Africans. Studies document the barriers to accessing care within the TCC system, hindering survivors and victims of GBV from healing and reintegration. Furthermore, though civil society has been integral in the country’s progress toward gender equality, their experiences and expertise are often left out in assessing TCC services. The present study aims to bridge that gap through semi-structured interviews with key civil society representatives in the Western Cape, employing the Framework Method in Qualitative Analysis, to develop policy recommendations to improve and prolong quality care at the TCCs. In addition, map visualizations of crime data in the City of Cape Town substantiated the expected capacities of each TCC. The study arrived at four conclusions: (1) there is a lack of understanding at the government level of survivor and victim needs, (2) existing inequality between the government and civil society is an obstacle in effective programming, (3) the lack of resources further this inequality, and (4) urban TCCs are predictably overwhelmed and necessitate expanded capacity. These conclusions indicate problems in understanding GBV within the community as government sectors tend to ignore the important role and capacity of civil society in care work. Thus, four recommendations were developed to engage in periodical monitoring and online resource maps, invest in all relevant sectors, establish standard procedures for community workers, and unfurl GBV programming from HIV/AIDS. Not only is civil society integral to South African history, but it is also a central force in uplifting local voices. The study’s findings underline the need for intentional inclusion of civil society in GBV-related initiatives to encourage holistic responses in the future.