MOSAIC: Sexual and Reproductive Health


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Sexual & Reproductive Health Programme: Simelela Centre
The Simelela Centre provides a comprehensive 24 hour service for survivors of sexual violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The Centre, initiated by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) with support from Rape Crisis, City of Tygerberg Health, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), SA Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Social Development in September 2003 initially offered follow up care to survivors of sexual violence. However, it was soon recognised that there was a dire need for a more comprehensive service aimed specifically at meeting the complex needs of survivors of sexual violence: it was this which in 2005 catalysed the extension of services now offered at Simelela.

During 2008 Medecins Sans Frontieres made the decision to hand over the Centre to a national organisation focusing on gender-based violence. Over the past year Simelela Centre negotiated the incorporation of its services with that of Mosaic’s. The final hand over process took place on 1 July 2009.

The Centre offers 24 hour, 365 day service to men, women, and children which includes forensic examinations and medical intervention – with strong emphasis on HIV prevention – counselling, as well as social and police support.

Emergency Medical Care
- Forensic examination
- STI treatment
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- Emergency contraception
- Voluntary testing for HIV
Follow Up Medical Care
- Pregnancy test at 6 weeks
- HIV testing at 6 and 12 weeks
- Referring HIV positive patients
- Referring survivors for unwanted pregnancies
Psychological support
- Containment counselling
- Pre and post test counselling for HIV
- Survivors aged 14 years and above are offered a further 12 follow-up sessions conducted by Rape Crisis (Khayelitsha branch)
- Individual counselling for survivors aged 14 years and under is offered by Nonceba Family Counselling Centre
- Referral to Social Workers, Dept. of Social Development (Khayelitsha Area Office) for survivors of sexual violence aged less than 19 yrs and children who are abandoned and seek assistance at the centre.
Care for Children
- The easily accessible service which the Simelela Centre provides, allows for reduced cycles of abuse against children
- A designated room, equipped with toys, is used when interviewing young children
- Social Workers at Nonceba Family Counselling provides long term counselling to assist in the recovery of the child
- Social Workers place children in safe care if they are deemed to be in danger of ongoing abuse
- The early medical intervention provides for rapid HIV and AIDS prevention, the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection and counselling on termination of pregnancy.
Justice
- Where the survivor chooses to take legal action against their perpetrator, a police officer from the Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is dispatched to take their statement onsite.
- Survivors are advised and referred to legal organisations that can assist them with preparations for trial.
- DNA of perpetrators is done by Simelela staff in a separate facility.
Information, education and prevention
- Radio discussion (mainly community radio stations in Khayelitsha), and newspaper articles are used to spread its message.
- Door-to-door campaigns are held in collaboration with government and other community abased organisations. The purpose is to challenge men and encourage them to participate in the fight against sexual violence by becoming pro-active and responsible member of society
- Simelela staff-members are often invited to address faith based organisation, community forums, schools, and other such gathering to inform people about the services offered by the centre and its partners. Information brochures, pamphlets, T-Shirts, rulers and calendars are also distributed at such occasions.