Blind SA says sexually assaulted blind and partially sighted women are being turned away at police stations after being told they are unable to identify their attackers.
Secretary of the organisation, Irene Azwifaneli Mashele, said these women face secondary victimisation and abuse once they fall victim to sexual assault, by not only the police but those in their community too.
"The police stations don’t have resources to help blind people report the cases and police are not trained to help people with sight disabilities.Mashele added that there has been no effort made by police or social services to try and address the matter, and that blind and partially sighted women should be given a fair chance.
"The government should provide resources to help blind women in police stations and officials should treat us with respect,” said Mashele. A petition was started by Blind SA to assist blind and partially sighted women speak up against secondary victimisation at police stations.
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