Vuyiswa finally tells Georgina that she was raped the night they went out. Gigi felt bad for what happened because she was the one who convinced Vee to go out that night and also convinced her to leave her gun. But what stands out is how Gigi takes account and continues to be there for her friend at a time of need.
Here are a few lessons we took from this situation.
Rape survivors need all the support they can get
Ever since Georgina found out about what happened to Vuyiswa she has been very supportive of her. At this point, she realises that she needs to be Vee’s pillar of strength. She listens to her, respects her wishes, and allows her to break down. Everyone deserves a friend like Georgina.
Georgina tries to convince Vuyiswa to lay a charge against her attacker. Getting this much-needed support is a crucial part for anyone going through such an ordeal. And receiving compassionate advice from friends and family can make a difference.
”Can you reverse rape?” asks Vuyiswa. The question hits Gigi hard as she freshly acknowledges the severity of Vuyiswa’s pain.
Survivors may be scared to press charges
Like so many rape survivors, Vuyiswa doesn’t want to see herself going through the whole process of attending court. On top of that, she feels as though people will judge her because she is a policewoman.
She puts her life on the line every day and right now she seems so helpless. Vuyiswa is in such a dark place that she even quit her job: one she is so passionate about.
It’s a nightmare that continues to be relived
Vuyiswa slowly begins to piece together the puzzle of that night. The sound of a man breathing heavily on top of her. ”I can smell him, I can hear him… I can feel his breath on my back,” she says.
This current storyline is necessary. While it might be triggering for many people, especially women, it’s a societal issue that needs to be addressed until rape culture stops: until society stops blaming rape victims, and stops protecting rapists.
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