Gender-based violence (GBV) in this country is a multifaceted issue that calls for a united South African effort to defend and support victims. The 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Campaign, an initiative by the United Nations, is observed annually from November 25 to December 10. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the campaign; however, the prevalence of gender-based violence remains unyielding. Campaign stakeholders urge communities to become active participants in the fight against GBV, advocating for the rejection of violence and the necessity of reporting these crimes to authorities whenever they occur.
Many residents in townships wish to join this crucial fight, but they fear becoming victims themselves.

For instance, when someone witnesses violence against a woman or child in their neighbourhood and reports it to the police, there is a worrying trend where the police reveal the source of the report to the offender. This creates a significant obstacle. Furthermore, when a resident sees a predatory individual stopping a schoolgirl from going to school and decides to alert authorities, the risk of retaliation is high. If the offender is arrested, their family and associates may retaliate, endangering the safety of the reporter and their loved ones. This fear of consequences often discourages individuals from reporting cases of gender-based violence. There are also socio-economic and power dynamics that cannot be ignored, as they contribute to the GBV scourge. High unemployment among young people is also a contributing factor. There is excessive alcohol consumption in the townships, and it seems that, especially in Gauteng, there is little regulation over the operating hours of taverns. Young women without means often frequent taverns with the expectation that their male counterparts will buy them alcohol, while these males expect something in return, which in some cases breeds violence. While there is no justification when expectations are unmet, this forms the root cause of violence. Vibing in the townships takes another turn later during the night and becomes a vampire. Sadly, communities, religious leaders, academics, researchers, and stakeholders are often too ashamed to confront this social ill.

As South Africa joins the global call to action during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a pivotal study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) offers an unwavering look at the reality of GBV in the country.
This HSRC’s first national study on GBV reveals the extent of a crisis that continues to devastate individuals and communities. It also challenges activists, policymakers, and communities to confront the systemic inequalities and cultural norms that fuel violence against women and vulnerable groups.
The study, funded by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), UN Women, the European Union Delegation to the UN, the Ford Foundation, the Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation and the HSRC, was released and handed over to the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) on 18 November 2024 and discussed at the annual Science Forum South Africa event.

Drawing from comprehensive data across all nine provinces in South Africa, the study uncovers the prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence and psychological abuse, such as controlling behaviours, among youth and adults 18 years and older.
Dr Nompumelelo Zungu, who presented the study, said that the report also examines the perpetration of violence by men against their partners, as well as the underlying role of gender norms in driving GBV. Dr Zungu is the Strategic Lead in the Public Health, Societies and Belonging Research Division of the HSRC.
Zungu also suggested that to put an end to GBV, the government and research strategies should consider adopting a long-term, culturally relevant approach to GBV eradication that focuses on household, family, and community environments, as well as the different leadership layers in communities, particularly traditional communities.
“The strategies should link GBV messaging to rebuilding social fabric, strengthening communities and families, and raising young people who can actively reshape communities, families, and society. In addition, relevant social policies should be developed to address the study’s identified social and structural factors,” said Zungu.

In early 2025, South Africa reported 13,453 sexual offences between January and March, including 10,688 rapes. Recent studies show that 33.1% of women have experienced physical violence, and nearly 10% have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Femicide remains a critical issue, with a reported average of seven women murdered per day, most by intimate partners.
Key statistics for 2025
Sexual offences (Jan-Mar 2025): South African Police Services (SAPS) recorded 13,453 sexual offences, with the breakdown including 10,688 rape cases, 1,872 sexual assaults, 656 attempted sexual offences, and 236 contact sexual offences.
Femicide: An average of seven women are murdered every day in South Africa, with the majority of cases being committed by intimate partners.
Lifetime prevalence of violence
Physical violence: A 2022 survey found that 33.1% of women aged 18 and over have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, which is approximately 7.3 million women.

Sexual violence: Nearly 10% of women (around 2.1 million) have experienced sexual assault.
Demographics and contributing factors
Age: Young women aged 18-24 have the highest rates of victimisation, with 25% experiencing some form of GBV.
Race: Black African women experience higher rates of physical violence compared to women of other racial groups.
Socioeconomic status: Women in cohabiting relationships and those with disabilities report higher rates of violence.
Intimate partner violence (IPV): A significant portion of violence is perpetrated by intimate partners, and many cases are linked to factors like ongoing domestic abuse, threats, intimidation, and sexual violence.
Higher education: Between 20% and 25% of female students report sexual violence each year.