‘Efforts have focused primarily on improving laws relating to violence against women, but much less has been done to enforce these laws and deal with a patriarchal system that prescribes roles and values,” writes Prof Priscilla Gutura of the University of Pretoria’s Department of Social Work and Criminology, who details why efforts to address gender-based violence need to go beyond legislation.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in South Africa, and continues to manifest insidiously in various ways. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial or structural harm, usually perpetrated by intimate partners, work colleagues, strangers and even institutions. Every day, there are reported cases of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and the murder of intimate partners. Crime statistics show that 10 516 rape incidents were reported between July to September this year (SAPS, 2023). However, many cases remain unreported.

GBV does not discriminate: any person of any race, age, class, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim or perpetrator. Proportionally, women and girls make up the majority of victims. Available evidence suggests that the occurrence, severity and intensity of GBV is much greater for women than men. However, men and boys are also victims of GBV, yet they continue to suffer in silence because of cultural expectations of masculinity and because intimate partner violence against men is often not recognised. It is therefore unsurprising that GBV against men is underreported.

There are many drivers of GBV. However, the underlying cause of the problem is the imbalance of power between women and men. South Africa is a patriarchal society, and there are many factors that entrench this patriarchal behaviour, thus reinforcing power over women. Efforts are being made to curb GBV, in terms of laws and legislation in particular. Much has changed, with the democratically elected government having put in place measures to foster a society where gender equality is a reality. The political will is particularly evident with the recent adoption of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill. The president has spoken out against GBV, and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is annually observed. However, this is insufficient.

One problem is that efforts have focused primarily on improving laws relating to violence against women, but much less has been done to enforce these laws and deal with a patriarchal system that prescribes roles and values. From childhood, we are socialised into a system that defines a normative man and woman. Many children grow up witnessing GBV in their homes. Unfortunately, some children of victims and abusers grow up to be abusers. Research shows that a child exposed to domestic violence can grow up to be a violent, abusive adult. This is supported by social learning theory by Bandura (1977). Research also shows that witnessing GBV during your formative years can lead to the normalisation and acceptance of GBV. This does not necessarily mean that victims are seeking unconsciously to be abused.

Figures released by SAPS (2023) show that many women and children in South Africa are not safe around the people that they know and trust, and at times, those they love.  More often, people are quick to judge victims as “refusing to leave”. Of course, if someone is in danger, one would want them to find safety by immediately leaving an abusive partner. But, without knowing the circumstances of each individual’s situation, we cannot expect them to leave. There are so many challenges that victims who want to leave abusive relationships face. These may include a lack of support, having no place to live and survive economically, fear of not being believed, and societal pressures to remain in relationships for the sake of the children and marriage. Also, the interpretation and application of religious scripture has perpetuated the subordination of women. The sanctity of marriage is prioritised over the value of women. Therefore, it takes a lot of courage to report abuse and even more courage to leave. Family and friends who find themselves in these situations need empathy, support and love to give them the strength to leave eventually.

Nevertheless, the foundation to fight GBV has been laid with a high degree of awareness and alertness. It is time for all of us to take a stand and contribute to ending this scourge. GBV is not only a women’s issue – it is a human issue. If we do not deal with it, it will be felt by future generations.