Ruling on sexual offence cases a victory for victims: NGO
An NGO helping abused children, the Teddy Bear Foundation says the landmark high court ruling on prosecuting sexual offences will go a long way in helping sexual abuse victims.
The High Court in Johannesburg lifted a 20-year expiry date on prosecuting sexual offences - declaring the Section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Act unconstitutional.
Shaheda Omar says in the past, the statute of limitation didn't apply to rape victims.
"There was definitely this inequality and discrimination. There was no equal access to court and this violated the victims rights to human dignity," she said.
The Johannesburg High Court ruling yesterday came after Section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Act was challenged by the alleged victims of late billionaire, Sydney Frankel.
Omar says victims can now take action against perpetrators when they're ready.
"Victims may take a lifetime to make a disclosure and come forward or feel that they have the capacity or are equipped to come forward," she said.