South Africa’s battle against gender-based violence (GBV) has taken a sobering turn, with a new study shedding light on the pervasive and deeply entrenched nature of the issue. The inaugural Gender-Based Violence Study, unveiled by the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlights the staggering scale of abuse affecting millions of women across the country.
In an unprecedented revelation, the study confirms that more than seven million South African women have endured physical or emotional violence at some point in their lives. This figure paints a grim picture of a society grappling with widespread violence that has left no corner untouched.
Speaking candidly at the launch, Minister Chikunga expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasising that the scale of the crisis was far worse than many had imagined. “What we didn’t anticipate is that women who are cohabitating are more exposed to sexual and physical abuse than those in permanent relationships such as marriages,” Chikunga said. This revelation, she noted, challenges many of the assumptions held about the dynamics of abuse, including the belief that married women or those in long-term partnerships are more vulnerable.
The findings contradict common perceptions about GBV, which often associate higher rates of violence with women in committed, marital relationships. In a country where intimate partner violence is widespread, the study’s results suggest that cohabitating women, often without the legal protections afforded by marriage, face disproportionate exposure to abuse. This has raised serious questions about the gaps in existing support systems and policies for women in non-marital living arrangements.
Minister Chikunga acknowledged the shocking nature of this revelation and stressed the urgent need for policy reevaluation. “This is a worrying revelation that we cannot ignore,” she said. “It shows that we must revisit our national strategy on gender-based violence and look at how we strengthen those areas of our work that aren’t serving women well enough.”
The study’s findings have now propelled South Africa’s government to reassess its current approach to combating GBV. The Minister called for a comprehensive review of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence, suggesting that greater attention must be paid to the protection and rights of women in informal relationships.
“We need to look at how our policies can be more inclusive, how we can address the unique vulnerabilities faced by cohabitating women,” Chikunga urged. “This is not just about finding solutions for those in marriages, but creating a framework that safeguards all women, regardless of their relationship status.”
As the country grapples with these eye-opening revelations, experts and activists are urging that the government not only reassess policies but take immediate action to provide better support services for survivors, bolster legal protections, and ensure a more robust response from law enforcement.
The study has undoubtedly served as a wake-up call for the nation, underscoring that South Africa’s fight against GBV is far from over. The government, along with civil society organisations, will need to work together to develop innovative, inclusive solutions that address the complexities of the violence affecting women across different social and relational contexts.
The road ahead is long, but the hope is that these new insights will catalyse meaningful change, helping to create a safer, more supportive environment for women across the country. The fight against gender-based violence is not just a national issue—it is a global crisis, and South Africa’s experience can offer valuable lessons to the world.
In the words of Minister Chikunga, “We have no choice but to act, because the lives of millions of women depend on it.”
Watch the video below:
Source: SABC News
