The views of adult female rape survivors about the compulsory HIV testing of alleged sex offenders

Abstract

This study is the first of its kind within the South African context in which rape survivors expressed their subjective views about the compulsory Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing of alleged sex offenders. The research was conducted at four Thuthuzela Care Centres in the Gauteng province. These TCCs specialise in the care and management of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence victims. The research focused on rape survivors’ perceptions of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), the quality of services received at the TCC, the compulsory HIV testing of alleged sex offenders, health and well-being, and the constitutional and human rights of both the victim of rape and the alleged sex offender. Victimological theories formed the foundation of the study.