Out of 27 Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS) centres in Gauteng, 18 will be operating 24 hours during this festive season to offer sanctuary to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence and human trafficking.
This will ensure that victims get access to services, and the necessary care and preventative measures to protect them from HIV and pregnancies.
The CFMS are equipped with qualified clinicians that provide counselling, medical examinations and treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and are able to refer victims for psychosocial support and give follow up dates. They also provide a comprehensive package which include sexual offence care, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse (both sexual and physical) and substance abuse.
It is important that victims of sexual assault and gender-based violence (GBV) access these centres as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours after the assault, for medical examination, treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
In addition, CFMS centres also conduct clinical forensic examination (medical evidence collection) of both survivors or living victims and perpetrators of interpersonal violence then present their findings and conclusions (expert opinion) in a court of law to facilitate the judicial process.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
