In 1997, the Thohoyandou Community Policing Forum together with the SAPS initiated the establishment of a Victim Empowerment Committee (VEC) in accordance with the provisions of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. With seed funding from the Department of Health, the South African Police dServices and local business, the first 24 / 7 One Stop Trauma Centre was opened at our regional hospital in September 2001, and ?break the silence? campaigns were initiated. Activities: -Create a supportive environment for the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and the HIV / AIDS pandemic -Inform and educate communities about their rights and responsibilities pertaining to sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and HIV / AIDS -Rehabilitation of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and HIV / AIDS

Thuthuzela Care Centers are one-stop facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation, improve conviction rates and reduce the cycle time for finalisation of cases. The Thuthuzela project is led by the NPA’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA), in partnership with various departments and donors as a response to the urgent need for an integrated strategy for prevention, response and support for rape victims. Since its establishment, the SOCA Unit has been working to develop best practices and policies that seek to eradicate victimisation of women and children, while improving prosecution, particularly in the areas of sexual offences, maintenance, child justice and domestic violence.