Shelter closures add to gender-based violence misery

GENDER-BASED violence (GBV) is deeply rooted and widespread in South Africa, significantly impacting nearly every aspect of life. Women and adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) which is a form of GBV.

- YEUKAI CHIDEYA and TATENDA MAWOYO

According to the World Health Organization, IPV is “behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours”. This form of violence is experienced by a current, former, or would-be romantic partner.

The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study, 2022, reported that 22.4% of women had experienced physical violence from a partner in their lifetime, while 7.4% disclosed having been sexually assaulted by a partner.

Additionally, the study found that 41.6% of women who had experienced physical or sexual abuse by a partner had sustained injuries from IPV. Research has also cited that 50% of women killed in South Africa are murdered by their intimate partners. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address and prevent GBV in the country.

Given the prevalence of GBV in South Africa, the National Council on Gender-based Violence and Femicide Bill was signed into law on May 24, 2024.

This legislation aims to strengthen the protection of women and children from violence and abuse. Women who experience IPV often find it difficult to leave abusive relationships, as they are dependent on their spouses and have nowhere to go or have been isolated from their families due to the manipulation of their abuser.