REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA 148. In terms of the Act, victims of sexual offences are entitled to Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). They are also entitled to apply for an order that the alleged offender be tested for HIV and that the results thereof be disclosed to the victim. The Domestic Violence Act, 1998359 imposes a duty on the SAPS to render such assistance as may be required by victims of domestic violence. Such assistance may include finding suitable shelter and obtaining medical treatment for victims. The IPID is mandated to monitor whether members of the SAPS discharge this duty as required by law. 149. In order to implement the provisions of the various pieces of legislation on victim protection, South Africa adopted, in 2009, the National Policy Guidelines for Victim Empowerment. The priority target groups for victim empowerment under the Policy Guidelines include women, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault and rape, victims of human trafficking, and abused children. In this regard, it seeks to ensure sound inter-departmental and inter-sectoral collaboration and the integration of effective institutional arrangements for a multi-pronged approach in managing victim empowerment. The Policy Guidelines are based on the concept of restorative justice which revolves around the promotion of a victim-centred approach to criminal justice. 150. The National Policy Guidelines for Victim Empowerment complement the National Policy Guidelines for the Handling of Victims of Sexual Offences adopted in 1998 and the Service Charter for Victims of Crime (Victims Charter) in South Africa adopted in 2004. Pursuant to the Victims Charter, victims of crime are entitled to the following rights at a minimum: the right to be treated with fairness and with respect for dignity and privacy; the right to offer information; the right to receive information; the right to protection; the right to assistance; the right to compensation; and the right to restitution. Training on the Victims Charter has been on-going since its adoption. 151. South Africa, under the auspices of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit, established Thuthuzela Care Centres (TTCs) for rape victims and victims of sexual and domestic violence. These centres, which are 24-hour one-stop centres assist victims of sexual offences by offering a victim-friendly environment that helps eliminate secondary victimization. At these centres rape victims have access to all services such as the police, counselling, doctors, court preparation and prosecution. 152. The number of TTCs in the country has increased from 10 in 2007-2008, 17 in 2008-2009, 28 in 2009-2010, and about 35 fully operational sites during 2012 -2013 year. Table 7 below indicates the activities of the TTCs over a period of four financial years. 359 Act No. 116 of 1998 177