One in four South African men admit to raping women

Summary of a video on Al Jazeera Africa, 20.02.2011

Startling statistics state that women living in South Africa are more likely to be raped than learn how to read.

It is estimated a sexual offence occurs every eight minutes.

A 2010 study by South Africa’s Medical Research Council has found that one in four South African men admit to committing rape.

Reporter Jonah Hull says “a history of violence and societal decay, thanks to 50 years of apartheid” is to blame.

But poverty, alcohol abuse and inadequate policing also contribute, he says, as does a “culture of impunity” where nine out of 10 men accused of rape walk free.

The video is difficult to watch, but please do. It’s important that we arm ourselves with facts, anecdotes and statistics so we can fight the silence surrounding rape in South Africa.