HIV Testing for Sex Offenders?

As part of the South Africa’s "16 Days of Activism Campaign on No Violence Against Women and Children," a government minister in the country encouraged rape victims to request compulsory HIV testing of their alleged attacker.

"We have to ensure that survivors know about this provision [in the Sexual Offenses Amendment Act] and are able to utilize it, says Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, the minister of women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Noting the strong link between sexual violence and HIV transmission, she vowed her ministry would ensure that interventions to empower rape victims are accessible and well-coordinated.