Harare- One of the most critical phases that the survivor has to navigate is the first 72-hours after a rape. Decisions made during this critical period have a huge bearing on their long-term physical and mental well-being.
Medical experts describe rape as a medical emergency, with the first 72-hours after the incident being especially critical because survivors should receive:
i) Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy;
ii) HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP);
iii) Treatment for sexually transmitted infections;
iv) Forensic examinations for legal evidence;
v) Psychological support and trauma counselling.
Without these vital interventions, some survivors face the real possibility of contracting HIV and/or other sexually transmitted infections, and in some cases, bearing a child resulting from a violent sexual encounter.
For many survivors of rape, fear, shame, confusion and misinformation discourage them
from seeking immediate clinical help and support.
These scenarios play out, not because of a lack of support services in Zimbabwe, but
because of ignorance on the legal and medical options available to the survivors after a
rape has occurred.
It is important for survivors to know that they are not alone. Zimbabwean law provides for the safe termination of pregnancy resulting from rape. To use the law meaningfully, survivors and families must understand the importance oftiming because delays can complicate both the ensuing legal and medical processes.
Gynaecologist, Dr. Stephen Ganyani explained that timely access initially helps to put the incident into perspective, by re-assuring the survivor that the rape “is not her fault.” Additionally, Dr. Ganyani said; “Timely access helps prevent unwanted pregnancy, prevent sexually transmitted infections. It also helps gather physical medical evidence which helps in court cases.”
Under the current law, a survivor seeking legal termination after rape must usually do the following:
i) make a police report
ii) get a medical report
iii) submit medical and police reports to secure a court confirmation; then finally
iv) access the procedure through a designated medical institution or hospital
It is important for survivors to know that they don’t have to walk this process alone, as they can receive specialized support through institutions such as the Adult Rape Clinic (ARC), which offers free medical, counselling, forensic, and referral services for survivors of sexual violence.
If pregnancy has already occurred, early medical intervention gives survivors more options and reduces health risks associated with unsafe procedures. The Adult Rape Clinic specifically advises survivors to seek medical attention as soon as possible after rape because delays can affect both treatment outcomes and access to legal termination services.
Dr Ganyani affirmed the capacity of local institutions to provide safe and lawful termination and post-rape care services. “All medical centres are well equipped. However individual health care workers may
need training to help empathetically and also not obstruct access to care including termination of pregnancy,” he said.
What Happens During a Safe Termination Process?
Safe medical termination is a structured healthcare process carried out by trained professionals in a clinical setting. The whole process is done in a survivor-friendly manner for the best possible outcome.
While procedures differ depending on how far the pregnancy has progressed, the process generally includes the following steps:
i) Medical Assessment: At this stage, a health professional first needs to confirm the pregnancy and its progress via a test. An assessment of the survivor’s physical and emotional condition coupled with counselling is also offered to re-assure the survivor that they are not alone and to explain the options available to them.
ii) Legal and Documentation Process: At this stage, supporting documents such as a police report or court documentation confirming the rape under the provisions of Zimbabwean law are required to give legal backing to the termination.
iii) Counselling and Psychological Support: At this stage, a survivor receives additional counselling before the procedure because emotional support is considered a critical part of preparation and for recovery.
iv) The Medical Procedure: Depending on the stage of pregnancy, medication may be used or a clinical procedure performed in a safe environment by trained professionals.
v) After-Care: Immediately after the procedure, a series of carefully choreographed aftercare activities are set in motion including counselling, medical monitoring, contraception advice, and psychosocial support.
It is therefore important that information regarding the safe options available for survivors of rape who fall pregnant is widely circulated to prevent unsafe abortions arising from pregnancy after rape. Additionally, this is important because according to the Director of the Adult Rape Clinic Maceline Mukwamba, forcing or leaving a rape survivor to continue an unwanted pregnancy can intensify trauma and significantly hinder recovery.
“Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and profound feelings of shame and helplessness. The pregnancy itself may become a constant reminder of the assault, prolonging emotional suffering and retraumatisation.
“For child survivors, the psychological burden is often even more devastating. Many struggle to understand the biological and emotional changes associated with pregnancy, especially where there is poor communication within families, fear of exposing the perpetrator, fear of not being believed, or strong cultural and religious pressures discouraging disclosure.” she said.
This is why institutions such as ARC continue to encourage survivors of rape to seek clinical assistance within the first 72-hours after rape to set in motion crucial interventions that will deter negative long-term mental and physical implications on the survivor.
The ARC operates from Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare and has additional centres in Kadoma, Gokwe, Masvingo, and Mutare. Victims of rape can also enquire and receive ARC services via a 24-Hour Toll Free Line 08080472.
