South Africa has an internationally recognised best practice model called Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) that deals with gender-based violence matters.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) defines the TCCs as one-stop facilities based at hospitals and clinics across the country.
The TCCs project is led by the NPA Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA).
First introduced in 2000, the TCCs model provides a gender-based violence (GBV) one-stop facility for pre-trial services, addressing legal, medical, and psychosocial needs within a victim-centered framework.
It is aimed at minimising secondary victimisation of the victims entering the system, expediting finalisation of cases, and improving the conviction rate through prosecutor-guided investigation and stakeholder engagement.
The NPA’s Advocate Bonnie Currie Gamwo Special Director of Public Prosecution responsible for Sexual Offences and Community Affairs said GBV remains a severe crisis in South Africa, impacting countless lives and demanding innovative solutions.
“There are currently 65 TCCs across South Africa. Due to the high demand for services, the NPA has built new stand-alone structures, built fit-for-purpose for the sole purpose of providing GBV services in a safe, victim-centered independent space, which are, save for one, all located on public hospital premises in urban, peri-urban and rural areas,” she said.
Services offered at TCCs
- Welcome and comfort from a site co-coordinator or nurse. An explanation of how the medical examination will be conducted and what clothing might be taken for evidence.
- TCC staff will arrange counselling services at the centre.
- A consent form to sign that allows the doctor to conduct the medical examination.
- A nurse in the examination room.
- After the medical examination, there are bath or shower facilities for victim use.
- An investigation officer will interview the survivor and take his/her statement.
- A social worker or nurse will offer counseling.
- A nurse arranges for follow-up visits, treatment and medication for Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS.
- A referral letter or appointment will be made for long-term counselling.
- The victim (survivor) is offered transportation home by an ambulance or the investigating officer.
- Arrangements for the survivor to go to a place of safety, if necessary.
- Consultations with a specialist prosecutor before the case goes to court.
- Court preparation by a victim assistant officer.
- An explanation of the outcome and update of the trial process by a case manager.¥
For more information, visit www.npa.gov.za Email: TCC@npa.gov.za Call: 012 845 6140
Did you know?
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
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