Rape Stories
A FATHER'S STORY
Apparently this had happened before. We had noticed my son acting strange at times. He
refused to wash and had become very lazy. He didn't want to get out of bed; he didn't want to go to school. But he also continued to play and be a nine year old boy. We had no idea what was going on.
Now I am so worried. All I can do is think about these diseases. We are waiting for the blood test. But what if he has this HIV aids? I also fear that what has happened to him may cause him some long term physical damage. Will he be able to have children?
I try to talk to my son but he is afraid of me. He sees my anger and he thinks I am angry with him. I do find it hard to understand why he didn't tell me after the first time. But he tells me he has no pain. He says he is fine.
But I am angry. I don't know what I would do if I saw the old man who did this to him. I am just happy he wasn't around when I found out otherwise I might have ended up in jail myself.
Father of 9 year old rape survivor
FUMANA'S STORY
I was 8 years old when I was raped. It was my cousin who raped me. I didn't tell anyone, not even my mother, but my behaviour radically changed. As a young teenager I started to sleep with anyone who wanted me. At some point I contracted HIV/AIDS. It wasn't until last year, as an adult, that I finally decided to go the police. Now my family has rejected me.
But I don't regret my decision. Eventually I decided this is my life, this is my pain. I was the one who was raped. And I went to open the case.
People think HIV is the killer but it is nothing compared to rape. Being raped is like being killed. When I found out I was HIV positive I just thought, if I survived rape I can survive anything. That's what I am, a survivor.
Victims mustn't keep quiet about their rape. There are lots of kids who are raped out there. I want to let people know that I am here 19 years later and I am still alive. I want the rapists to know that yes, they may be raping us but at the end of the day they are going to pay. We will not keep quiet.
For more stories, click here http://www.msf.org.za/docs/Simelela_final_AUG06_light.pdf
