Hats off to these women

It is encouraging that - increasingly - women are refusing to be double victims of the scourge of rape.

It is encouraging that - increasingly - women are refusing to be double victims of the scourge of rape.

Rape is a physical and emotional crime that degrades women. The law rightly protects complainants who have been violated in this manner.

But more and more women are refusing to hide from society for a crime that is not of their doing. They are refusing to be perpetual victims of this crime of shame as society also attaches a stigma to the women.

Recently two young women revealed their identity after they had been brutally violated. Rugby star Schalk Burger's sister, Rene, went public about her rape ordeal, saying this was a message to others in similar situations not to be ashamed of what had happened to them.

Jessica Foord, gang-raped in front of her father in Durban, also allowed herself to be identified.

Both women were willing to fight back to regain their dignity.

This is a revolution which will hopefully teach society about the real crime of rape and how it devastates the psyche of women.

We salute these brave women.