Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: Why the Crisis Keeps Escalating

Gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa remains a severe and escalating crisis. Despite ongoing government action, legal reforms, and community programmes, the rates of violence against women and girls have not significantly decreased. Understanding why this crisis persists and escalates is essential to develop effective solutions.

Despite signing the UN’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), South Africa is still battling alarming rates of domestic violence. The promises are on paper but the reality tells another story. Click here to learn more.

What Is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, most often targeting women and girls. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse. In South Africa, GBV involves domestic violence, femicide, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse rooted in gender inequality.

Why Does GBV Persist and Escalate in South Africa?

1. Deep-Rooted Patriarchal Norms and Gender Inequality

South Africa’s social, cultural, and economic systems often reinforce patriarchal attitudes that view women as subordinate. Harmful gender norms promote male dominance and control, fostering environments where violence is tolerated or ignored. Changing these deep-seated beliefs is a slow and difficult process.

2. Economic and Social Factors

High levels of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse exacerbate the risk of violence. Economic stress can increase household tensions, while limited opportunities for women perpetuate dependence and vulnerability. Many survivors face financial barriers to seeking help or escaping abusive situations.

3. Inadequate Implementation of Laws and Services

Though South Africa has improved its legal framework; with new laws like the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act (May 2024); challenges remain. Police response can be slow or insensitive, court processes lengthy, and access to survivor services uneven. Gaps in enforcement undermine deterrence and protection.

4. Insufficient Prevention Efforts Focused on Root Causes

Most government and NGO programmes have concentrated heavily on responding to GBV, supporting survivors and prosecuting offenders. However, proactive prevention targeting attitudes, social norms, and community behaviour is still under-resourced and inconsistent. Primary prevention programmes aim to change men’s attitudes about violence but require greater scale.

5. Limited Community Involvement and Accountability

Many communities lack coordinated efforts to confront GBV openly. Silence, stigma, and fear prevent victims from reporting abuse. Greater community mobilisation, education, and engagement of men and boys as advocates for change are essential.

Current Government and Civil Society Responses

a) National Strategic Plan on GBVF

South Africa’s government launched a comprehensive National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in 2020. It focuses on:

• Prevention of GBV through awareness and education campaigns
• Strengthening criminal justice and law enforcement responses
• Providing care and support services for survivors
• Economic empowerment of women and community mobilisation

This plan is backed by significant public and private sector funding, including a R21 billion budget over the medium term.

b) Legal and Institutional Advances

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, passed in 2024, establishes a statutory multi-sectoral council for strategic leadership on GBV. It aims to strengthen coordination among government, civil society, and private sector partners.

c) Prevention-Focused Programmes

Primary prevention campaigns like those by Sonke Gender Justice emphasise changing attitudes before violence occurs. These include educational programmes in schools, workplace initiatives, and community mobilisation to promote respectful, non-violent relationships.

Non-governmental organisations and social movements actively engage men as allies, challenging harmful norms promoting violence against women and girls.

d) Support Services and Infrastructure

Care centres, such as Thuthuzela and Khuseleka, provide psychological, medical, and legal support to survivors of GBV. Police stations have introduced evidence kits to improve case handling, while emergency hotlines and shelters aim to increase access to help.

Challenges That Hinder Progress

• Lack of consistent funding slows expansion of prevention programmes and survivor services.
• Stigma and distrust prevent many victims from seeking help or reporting incidents.
• Overburdened police and justice systems limit timely investigation and prosecution.
• Socio-economic inequalities entrench vulnerabilities, especially in rural and township communities.
• Cultural practices and misinformation complicate education efforts about gender equality and rights.

The Way Forward: Building a Safer South Africa

• Scaling up primary prevention interventions targeting men and boys widely across society.
• Strengthening community-based initiatives that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote local solutions.
• Ensuring effective implementation and oversight of laws protecting survivors.
• Comprehensive education starting early that promotes equality, respect, and non-violence.
• Improved coordination between government departments, civil society, and the private sector.
• Empowering survivors economically and socially to help reduce dependence and vulnerability.

South Africa’s GBV crisis is complex and multifaceted, demanding sustained, coordinated efforts from all sectors of society. Only by addressing root causes alongside responsive services can the cycle of violence be broken, and a safer, more equitable society be achieved.