Gender-based violence: South Africa’s ongoing crisis

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of South Africa’s most devastating and persistent human rights crises. Despite years of public awareness campaigns, protests, and government commitments, women and children continue to face alarming levels of abuse behind closed doors and in public spaces.

High-profile cases regularly dominate headlines, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for action. Yet once the news cycle moves on, the daily reality for many survivors remains unchanged.

Violence continues in homes, relationships, and communities where support systems are weak and accountability is inconsistent. This gap between public reaction and long-term intervention has allowed GBV to remain deeply entrenched in South African society.

A Crisis Beyond Statistics

According to Statistics SA, thousands of women report physical or sexual assault each year, yet experts warn that these figures represent only a fraction of the true scale of violence. Fear, stigma, and a lack of trust in the criminal justice system often prevent survivors from coming forward. Gender-based violence is real.

Where the System Falls Short

While South Africa has strong laws on paper, including the Domestic Violence Act, enforcement remains inconsistent. Survivors frequently report delays in police response, inadequate protection orders, and cases that collapse before reaching court. Civil society organisations argue that without accountability and proper funding, legislative reform alone cannot protect victims, resulting in continuous gender-based violence.

The Role of Society and Men

Ending GBV is not solely the responsibility of government or law enforcement. Community leaders, families, and especially men play a critical role in challenging harmful norms that normalise violence. Education, early intervention, and honest conversations about masculinity are essential if long-term change is to occur.

Moving Forward Together

Gender-based violence thrives in silence. Real progress will require sustained pressure, visible consequences for perpetrators, and unwavering support for survivors.

As a society, we must decide whether GBV is a headline we react to briefly or a reality we commit to ending, together.