A new report released on Monday, The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, has uncovered alarming statistics about the extent of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study reveals that approximately 7.3 million women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence during their lifetime, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse in the country.
In addition to physical violence, the study found that 9.8% of all women reported experiencing sexual violence, which translates to an estimated 2.15 million women. This disturbing data underscores the severity of the issue and the widespread impact of sexual abuse on women across South Africa.
Steve Letsike, the Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, pointed to deep-rooted power dynamics as a key factor driving this violence. He noted that societal norms have conditioned many men to believe they have ownership over women’s time, labor, bodies, and resources, fueling a culture of entitlement and abuse.
Letsike emphasized the need for men to recognize that they do not have the right to women’s bodies. “There is no competition between men and women. You can be partners, but nothing justifies violating another person, especially women. It is criminal in our country,” he said, calling for a shift in mindset and behavior.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing GBV through enhanced monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and integrating GBV interventions into broader social policies. This approach will also address related issues such as HIV, economic inequality, and education gaps, all of which contribute to the drivers of gender-based violence in South Africa.
