Research knowledge base for GBV questions, methods, and service pathways
This is now a research knowledge base rather than a simple FAQ. Search across the published corpus, filter by research lens, and move directly into the source material behind each answer.
Published entries
210
Curated answers grounded in public South African GBV, justice, and support sources.
Visible now
4
Entries matching your current search, lens, and source filters.
Source sets
49
Each answer stays tied to a public source so researchers can verify context.
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Research lenses
Filter the knowledge base the way researchers work
Move between methods, service pathways, risk factors, legal process, survivor support, and data interpretation without losing source traceability.
Methods
Study design, methodology, definitions, and how the evidence was assembled.
Service pathways
How people move through hospitals, police, shelters, courts, and referral systems.
Risk factors
Drivers of violence, vulnerability, exposure, and intersectional risk patterns.
Legal process
Rights, reporting, police procedure, court process, and legal protections.
Survivor support
Healing, counselling, trauma-informed support, and practical care for survivors.
Data interpretation
Limits, caveats, bias, and guidance for reading the evidence responsibly.
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Legal process
4 entriesRights, reporting, police procedure, court process, and legal protections.
Yes. The Sexual Offences Act summary explains that rape is one of the offences for which criminal prosecution can be instituted at any time, even after 20 years. This matters because delayed reporting does not automatically remove the possibility of criminal prosecution.
Yes. South African sexual offences guidance says a survivor, an interested person, or an investigating officer can apply to have an alleged offender tested for HIV, as long as the application is made within 90 days and the case involves possible exposure to body fluids. Survivors are still advised to start and continue PEP without waiting for that result.
Yes. The Sexual Offences Act summary notes that a court may order compensation for financial losses such as medical expenses, counselling costs, replacement of destroyed property, alternative accommodation, and wages lost while attending court. That does not erase the harm, but it can matter for practical recovery.
The Sexual Offences Act summary explains that an accused person may test HIV negative while still being in the HIV window period. That means a survivor should not stop PEP or assume there was no risk just because the later test result looks reassuring.