Love or Control? Breaking the Chains of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa

5 February 2025

And we're back! As we step into this month of love, let's take a hard look at its darker side... Forced love is never love. Gender-based violence is running rampant in South Africa—so what’s being done about it?

February, often regarded as the month of love, is a time when people exchange gifts, declarations of affection, and celebrate romantic relationships. However, there’s a far more dangerous and insidious side to love that often goes unspoken: Gender-Based Violence (GBV). In South Africa, this issue has reached epidemic proportions. GBV does not only damage individuals—it ravages entire communities and perpetuates cycles of violence that have been ingrained for generations. While love should be about respect, safety, and care, for millions in South Africa, it is instead marked by fear, control, and abuse. So, what is being done to address this overwhelming problem?

A Crisis That Continues to Thrive

South Africa remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women. The devastating statistics surrounding GBV paint a grim picture: According to a study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), 36% of women in South Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with 24% of those instances perpetrated by an intimate partner. This staggering figure demonstrates the intimate connection between love and violence in a country where gender inequality remains pervasive.

The violence faced by women is not only physical. Psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse are prevalent in intimate partner relationships, and the social structures around these issues often make it difficult for victims to escape. Traditional gender roles—where women are expected to be submissive and men are conditioned to assert dominance—remain deeply embedded in the fabric of South African society. These antiquated beliefs fuel the cycle of abuse. Phrases like “A woman’s place is in the home” or “A husband has the right to discipline his wife” still have traction in some areas, especially in rural communities, normalizing violence and control under the guise of tradition.

The Dangerous Conundrum of Silence and Stigma

Beyond the cultural attitudes that sustain GBV, there is a silent epidemic surrounding the stigma of speaking out. Many survivors are silenced by fear—not just of their abusers, but also by the societal pressures that demand they keep quiet. Victim-blaming, where the survivor’s character or actions are scrutinized instead of the abuser’s behavior, makes it harder for women to come forward. Additionally, fear of reprisals from abusers, who often control every aspect of the survivor’s life, further discourages victims from seeking help.

Another significant issue is the marginalization of disabled women, who are even more vulnerable to violence. Women with disabilities face not only physical abuse but social exclusion, which makes it more difficult for them to access resources and support. Statistics from the United Nations show that 31% of women with disabilities have experienced physical or sexual violence. Yet, their voices remain largely absent from discussions about GBV, further compounding their vulnerability.

What Is Being Done? Government Action (or Lack Thereof)

South Africa has implemented some of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in the world to address GBV. The Domestic Violence Act (1998) and the Sexual Offences Act (2007) are cornerstones of the country’s legal system in the fight against GBV, outlining the steps that law enforcement and the judiciary must take to protect survivors. The National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (2020) provides a roadmap for addressing the issue through a multi-sectoral approach that includes intervention, prevention, and the creation of support structures for survivors.

The government has also introduced measures like the National Council on GBV and Femicide, established to oversee the implementation of GBV policies. However, despite these legal provisions, implementation has been inconsistent, and the overall response has been inadequate. One of the most significant problems is the poor enforcement of existing laws. In some cases, the police and courts have failed to take victims’ complaints seriously, leaving them vulnerable to further violence.

For example, police indifference remains a pressing issue. Survivors often report that law enforcement officials either do not take their claims seriously, fail to respond quickly, or even advise the survivor to “go back home and work things out.” There have been reports of poor training for police officers on handling GBV cases, which further deters women from reporting abuse. While some strides have been made, there’s still a long way to go in terms of ensuring that the law is applied consistently and effectively across the country.

Additionally, the lack of coordination between various governmental departments and support agencies has led to fragmented services, making it difficult for survivors to access the help they need. Shelters, legal aid, and counseling services are often overwhelmed and underfunded, leaving survivors to navigate a maze of bureaucratic hurdles without adequate support.

What Needs to Change?

To tackle GBV effectively, South Africa needs to go beyond legislative measures and focus on implementation and enforcement. This means fully funding and resourcing shelters, legal aid, and police training to ensure that those who seek help are met with swift and compassionate responses. Increased community-based interventions, where local organizations and activists play a role in raising awareness and offering support, are crucial in shifting cultural attitudes and offering immediate assistance to survivors.

Public education campaigns must be ramped up to challenge the deeply ingrained beliefs that allow GBV to persist. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of gender equality and the need to redefine toxic masculinity that normalizes violence and control over women. Boys and young men must be educated on healthy relationships, respect, and consent.

The government must also make a concerted effort to address the socio-economic factors that enable GBV, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Empowering women economically and providing them with access to education can go a long way in reducing their vulnerability to abuse.

A Call for Change

The battle against GBV in South Africa is not just a legal or policy issue; it is a deeply cultural problem that requires a shift in the collective mindset. It’s time to break the silence, challenge societal norms, and make a real commitment to ending violence against women. As we reflect on love this month, let’s remember that love should never be forced or controlled—it should be empowering, nurturing, and free from violence. The time for change is now. South Africa cannot afford to wait any longer.

How You Can Protect Yourself and Seek Assistance:

• Know Your Rights: Under the Domestic Violence Act, victims can seek a protection order against their abuser. Remember, no one has the right to abuse you.

• Contact the GBV Command Centre: Call the National GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428 or send a “Please Call Me” message to 120 for counseling, referrals, and support.

• Reach Out to Shelters: Many shelters in South Africa offer safe refuge for victims of GBV. Reach out to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for information on available shelters near you.

• Report Abuse: If you are in immediate danger, call 10111 for emergency assistance. Officers are legally required to assist with filing cases and securing your protection.

• Speak Out: Talk to someone you trust—whether family, friends, or local support groups. Organizations like POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) and Women’s Legal Centre can provide guidance and legal support.

• Support GBV Advocacy Groups: Get involved or support local initiatives working to combat GBV in your community. Every action counts in creating a safer environment for women.