Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) In South Africa - Tackling the Epidemic

Gender-based violence is "violence committed against an individual based on their gender, and is a type of violence resulting from unequal power dynamics especially when those relations favor males over females. It is seen to be an example of institutionalized discrimination and gender inequality. GBV includes psychological and emotional abuse which comprises of threats, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, and other acts that injure the person's mental or emotional state. SA has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world. Several studies and reports provide disturbing statistics about the extent of the problem affecting women and children. A study published in The Lancet in 2009 revealed that South Africa has the highest femicide rate in the world. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), cases of sexual violence in 2018 were 73.54% of crimes against women and 42,289 reported rapes in the year 2019/2020. (WHO, 2021) but the latest stats show that one woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa however, this number is likely an underestimation due to underreporting by women who are afraid of retaliation and victimization. Females from the age of 15-49 years have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime by an intimate partner or a non-partner. On average, around 852 million women have been subjected to physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months.

Experiences and effects on victims

GBV and a variety of psychological issues such as, it often leaves fear and trauma in survivors, lead to a variety of emotional and psychological responses. Psychological symptoms experienced by victims can manifest in suicidal ideations, intrusive memories, hyperarousal, nightmares, hypervigilance, major depression, exhaustion, insomnia, complex trauma, overeating, persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness, anger, self-mutilation, generalized anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Survivors experience physical injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to more severe injuries such as broken bones or internal injuries. GBV leaves victims with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. Many victims turn to substance abuse to cope with the pain or even numb themselves. Survivors feel powerlessness, helplessness, and a loss of trust in others. GBV has a range of health effects on survivors, including chronic pain, reproductive health issues due to miscarriages or forced abortions, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS. GBV can have substantial financial consequences for survivors, including loss of income, employment, or housing due to injuries and not attending work. Victims are sometimes economically dependent on the perpetrator which makes it difficult for survivors to leave abusive situations. This is observed among people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who cannot support themselves or their children. Children who witness GBV may suffer from emotional and psychological trauma themselves. Research has shown that boys who experienced violent discipline or any other maltreatment during their childhood are more likely to become violent towards their children and spouses when older and this could start an intergenerational cycle of violence. They may also act in a sexually aggressive manner toward females.

If you are a victim or know someone that is get help immediately.

SADAG – 076 882 2775 / 0800 567 567

Open door crisis centre – 031 7092679

GBV helpline – 0800 150 150