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21 July 2025  |  26 September 2025

Specialist Paralegal: Sexual Offences Victim Advocacy

Applications accepted until
21 July 2025
Short Course Coordinator:
Beverley Segaetsho
Accreditation:
Certificate of Competence
Course dates
21 July 2025 - 26 September 2025
Applications close
21 July 2025
Overview
The course aims to train participants as specialist paralegals in victim advocacy to assist rape complainants at police stations or upskill state agents in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) that deal with sexual offences. Participants will further be able to use the training to establish civil society groups or join civil society groups that advocate for women's and children's rights.
Duration
The course runs from July 21 to September 26, with workshops, classes, and assessments scheduled at specific times. Key dates include workshops on July 21-25 (10:00 - 14:00), classes on August 4-7 (17:30 - 18:30) and September 1-5 (17:30 - 18:30), online assessments from August 18-23, and final assessments from September 22-26.
Format
Courses might be delivered through blended learning. Students are required to have basic computer skills and stable internet connection.
Pricing
VAT Incl. = R16,400.00

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Please complete the following info:

    The course content addresses the following topics: 


    Topic 1: Sexual Offences Procedure Outline 

    • Introduction to legal process (criminal and civil) in cases of rape;
    • Introduction to the Sexual Offences Act. (The elements of the crime of rape);
    • The development of rape jurisprudence in South Africa;
    • Overview of children's rights and the intersection with the Sexual Offences Act.


    Topic 2: Sociolegal Aspects of Rape (Victimisation of complainants) 

    • Overview of rape myths and gender stereotypes in cases of rape;
    • Introduction to the impact of sexual offences on victims;
    • Intervention techniques and support strategies;
    • Advocacy techniques and strategies.


    Topic 3: Applied Methods

    • A guide to taking (written) statements;
    • National Prosecuting Authority Written Representations.


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