Michelle Bergh from Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust

Today on Morning Cruise on Bush Radio 89.5FM, we focussed on an issue that affects too many lives, yet is too often met with silence: sexual violence. We were joined by Michelle Bergh, a counsellor and training coordinator at Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust — an organization that has been standing with survivors for nearly 50 years.

Founded in 1976, Rape Crisis has become a pillar of support for survivors of sexual violence across Cape Town, with offices in Observatory, Khayelitsha, and Athlone. Their work includes counselling, legal advocacy, education programs, and community outreach — all grounded in a feminist, survivor-centered approach.

Michelle explained the layered nature of the trauma that survivors experience. Beyond the initial violence, survivors often face secondary victimization — subtle or overt forms of blame and judgment from family, police, doctors, or even friends. Phrases like "Why were you there?" or "What were you wearing?" continue to circulate in our communities, doing deep harm. Rape Crisis works to educate the public and dismantle these harmful myths, reminding us all that rape is not about sex — it’s about power and control, deeply rooted in systemic patriarchy.

One of the most impactful parts of the interview came when Michelle discussed why many survivors do not report their assault. In South Africa, navigating the legal system can be traumatizing in itself. From insensitive questioning at police stations to the daunting experience of forensic examinations, many survivors choose not to report — and that choice, Michelle reminded us, must be respected. “We support the survivor in whatever journey they choose to take,” she said.

Rape Crisis also runs important education programs such as Birds and the Bees, which brings conversations about consent and healthy relationships into schools. According to Michelle, the youth are incredibly receptive. "I'm constantly so impressed with our young people,” she said. These sessions provide safe spaces for learners to question norms and engage critically with issues around gender, power, and respect.

Finally, we spoke about the emotional toll of this work. Michelle acknowledged that supporting survivors can be heavy, but thanks to a strong internal support structure and a deeply committed volunteer base, the team at Rape Crisis remains resilient. “It can be tough,” she said, “but it's also incredibly rewarding.”

This conversation reminded us of how vital this work is — and how much we all have a role to play. Whether it’s challenging victim-blaming language, volunteering, donating, or simply educating ourselves and others, we can each contribute to a society where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered.

To learn more about the services provided by Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, or to access help, you can visit their Website or reach out through their helpline or WhatsApp support.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s break the silence. Let’s stand with survivors.