World’s First Rape Insurance Offered in S. Africa

CGU Insurance of South Africa this week launched its new Rape Survivor policy, an insurance plan aimed at survivors of sexual abuse. The plan will offer a toll-free hotline, counseling, support groups and assistance filing charges against the attacker. The policy also covers anti-retroviral treatment, prophylactic treatment and HIV testing.

Reactions to the new policy by women’s organizations in South Africa are mixed. In a country where HIV infections reach as high as 38% in some regions, opponents of the new insurance call it “opportunistic.” Others believe the insurance will provide useful assistance to survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Media Resources: Africa News Online - October 12, 1999

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