Surviving Rape  South African Women Speaking Out

The South African Police Service reported 55,114 cases for the 2004/2005 year, this is according to the narrow definition of rape and excludes men, oral rape, anal rape and rape with an object. But with it estimated that only 1 in 6 rapes are being reported, it means the true figure is way above this. The exact statistics are not known, and official statistics are based on what is reported.

But Rape is far more than statistics. It's about real people and real lives. Rape could affect anyone from any background. It is a global issue that still involves a range of myths, misconceptions and stigmas. I have gone beyond the statistics, by giving a voice to survivors and their life changing experiences. So often the press want the sensational story, making it a race or political issue, but what is the true situation of Rape in South Africa? Who are the faces behind the figures? How have they survived such a traumatic and violating crime? Why is there such a high level of violence in South Africa?

Telling the stories of the rape survivors and the journey a survivor takes to get justice, through the South African judicial system. From photographing places were rape has happened to the getting access to photograph and interview experts at key stages a survivor would experience- from reporting the crime at the police station, medical examination to collect evidence at a hospital/clinic, counselling at Rape Crisis to the trial at the sexual offences court.