An assesment of policy implementation on sexual assault and rape in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North-West Province

Abstract

Rape and sexual assault is a global problem with far reaching and devastating social and health implications for victims of such crimes. South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape and sexual assault cases reported to the police compared to other countries globally. In an attempt to forge intervention, various progq3mmes aimed at addressing sexual assault have been developed by relevant government entities. Since the development of these programmes, research on implementation and effectiveness of sexual assault services in South Africa has been minimal. The absence of research on these interventions prevents an opportunity for programme improvement and resource mobilization that would ensure that these programmes are efficient, effective and to ensure that it meet the needs of beneficiaries. A quantitative and descriptive research design was used to assess the implementation of the national sexual assault policy by health professionals at referral and designated health facilities. The study was conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the NorthWest province, targeting nurses, doctors, unit managers and social workers rendering sexual assault services within the district. Self-administered questionnaires and checklist were used to collect data. Findings indicated that there was no significant difference with regard to the implementation of the sexual assault policy. There was no hundred percent adherence to policy prescribed by health facilities, while resources were not equitably allocated to health facilities as rural health facilities still lacked basic resources like colposcopy. While most health professionals indicated to be knowledgeable about the service they deliver, the findings indicated that less than 45% of health professionals allocated to render sexual assault services are not trained nor frequently getting ongoing training in the management of sexual assault. Sexual assault services within the district were provided by untrained health professionals as in the whole population only one (1) health professional had forensic nursing training.