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Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. These acts can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, and economic abuse. GBV is rooted in unequal power relations and social norms that discriminate against individuals, particularly women and girls, making it a serious violation of human rights and a threat to safety, dignity, and equality.
“In South Africa, one of the biggest obstacles in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) is that many victims do not report the incidents. This silence is often rooted in fear—fear of not being believed, fear of further violence, or fear of being judged by the community. In many townships and rural areas, cultural norms discourage women from speaking out against men, especially in relationships or marriages. Victims also fear losing financial support if the perpetrator is the breadwinner, which forces them to endure abuse quietly.”
“Even when victims find the courage to report, they often retract the case soon after. This pattern is extremely common in South Africa, where survivors may be threatened or emotionally manipulated by the perpetrator or pressured by family members to keep the matter ‘within the home.’ In some cases, victims are dependent on their abusers for housing, food, or childcare, making it nearly impossible for them to continue with the case without risking their basic survival needs.”
“Tragically, many GBV cases only become known when it is too late—when the victim has been severely injured or killed. South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, a clear sign that signs of abuse are often missed or ignored until the worst happens. In these situations, neighbours, relatives, or friends might admit they ‘saw the signs’ but did not report them or intervene, which reflects a societal failure to protect vulnerable individuals.”
“A major weakness in the South African justice system is that police officers are often not adequately trained to handle GBV cases. In many communities, survivors are met with insensitivity, disbelief, or even mockery when they go to a police station. Without specialized training in trauma-informed care and gender sensitivity, officers may unknowingly re-traumatize victims or fail to gather proper evidence, leading to dropped cases and low conviction rates. The police has acknowledged this gap and called for dedicated units, but much work remains to be done.”
“One of the most painful aspects of GBV in South Africa is the fact that victims often return to their perpetrators. This cycle of abuse is difficult to break due to emotional manipulation, love, hope for change, or sheer lack of options. South Africa lacks enough safe houses, support services, and financial aid for survivors. As a result, women and children end up going back to abusive homes because they have nowhere else to go. When they do, the risk of further violence—and sometimes death—increases dramatically.”
Gender-based violence survivors might avoid reporting the situation to the police due to the following reasons
Threats from the Abuser
Survivors often avoid reporting gender-based violence because they may be threatened by the abuser. The perpetrator may intimidate them with threats of further harm, harm to their children or loved ones, or even death if they go to the police. This fear creates a powerful barrier that silences victims and allows the abuse to continue unchecked.
Dependence on the Abuser
Many survivors are dependent on the abuser, especially for financial support, housing, or care of children. This dependence makes it difficult for them to leave or report the abuse because doing so could leave them without basic necessities. In such situations, survival takes precedence over justice, trapping victims in abusive environments.
Feelings of Shame and Embarrassment
Survivors may feel ashamed that this is happening to them, especially in a society where victims are often blamed for the abuse. They may fear being judged, not believed, or labelled as weak. This shame discourages them from speaking out and contributes to the silence that surrounds many GBV cases.
Stigma Faced by Male Survivors
When the survivor is male, he may feel like he is not a real man because of the treatment he gets when reporting. Society often expects men to be strong and unemotional, so male survivors may fear ridicule, disbelief, or emasculation when they seek help. This toxic masculinity discourages men from coming forward and getting the support they need.
Turning to Substance Abuse as a Coping Mechanism
When a gender-based violence survivor is not taken seriously by a police officer, it can deepen their sense of hopelessness. Feeling ignored or dismissed may drive the survivor to turn to substance abuse in order to forget what is happening to them. Drugs or alcohol become an escape from the emotional pain and trauma, which can worsen their mental health and create additional problems like addiction or risky behavior.
Increased Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Actions
The lack of support and protection from authorities can make a survivor feel isolated and helpless. In severe cases, the survivor may become suicidal because they are not getting any help from the authorities. The emotional toll of being mistreated by the very people who are supposed to protect them can lead to feelings of worthlessness and despair, putting their life at even greater risk.
Severe Depression and Social Withdrawal
Being dismissed or disbelieved can destroy a survivor’s trust in others. They may become depressed because they have no one to talk to, have no support system and no counselling. The emotional weight of carrying trauma alone can lead to withdrawal from family, friends, and everyday activities. Without proper mental health support, this depression can deepen and have long-term effects.
Unresolved Anger and Damaged Relationships
Survivors who are denied justice or compassion by police may internalize their pain as anger. Over time, they may develop anger issues and have a very hot and short temper, which can lead to ruining social relationships. The frustration of being unheard and unprotected can cause them to lash out at others, damaging bonds with loved ones and creating further emotional distance.
Question
Describe ways that families could encourage their loved ones to report gender-based violence to the police
Believe the Survivor and Offer Consistent Support
One of the most important ways families can help is by giving their loved ones support, starting by believing them. Many survivors are afraid to speak out because they fear being judged or accused of lying. When family members show that they believe the survivor’s story, it creates a safe and trusting environment where the person feels emotionally supported and validated. This belief is the first step toward healing and can empower the survivor to take action by reporting the abuse to the police.
Go With Them to the Police for Moral Support
Reporting gender-based violence can be a very intimidating experience, especially for someone who is already traumatised. Family members can offer to go with the survivor to the police station to provide moral support. This presence can reduce anxiety and help the survivor feel less alone, making it more likely that they will follow through with reporting the crime. Knowing that they have someone by their side can give them the courage to face the process.
Accompany Them to Court for Emotional Strength
If the case goes to court, it can be a long and emotionally draining journey. Families should continue to support their loved one by attending court proceedings with them. This emotional support during court appearances helps the survivor feel protected and backed up, reinforcing that they are not facing the legal system alone. It also reminds the survivor that justice is a shared goal, not a burden they must carry alone.
Encourage Counselling for Mental Health Support
Beyond legal support, families should encourage survivors to seek counselling to improve their psychological well-being. Professional counselling provides survivors with tools to manage trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain. With the backing of their family and access to therapy, survivors can regain a sense of control over their lives and be better equipped to handle the legal and emotional aftermath of reporting abuse.
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Include First-Hand Testimonies from Survivors in Training
The police training programme should involve inviting former victims of gender-based violence to share their personal experiences of reporting abuse to the authorities. This strategy gives trainees a real and emotional understanding of the challenges survivors face—such as being dismissed, shamed, or retraumatised—which can help officers become more empathetic and careful in their interactions with victims.
Engage Psychologists to Educate Officers on Trauma
The South African Police Service can work with trained psychologists to explain the psychological impact of GBV. This includes understanding trauma, how victims react emotionally and mentally after abuse, and how to respond in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Psychologists can also teach officers how to avoid secondary victimisation during questioning and investigation.
Emphasise Equality and Non-Discrimination in GBV Cases
Officers should be trained to understand that gender-based violence affects all genders, including men, and that each case should be treated with equal seriousness. Training should address myths that only women can be victims and reinforce that all survivors—regardless of gender—deserve dignity, protection, and justice.
Enforce Consistent Legal Procedures for All GBV Cases
Police officers must be trained to treat GBV cases with the same seriousness as any other criminal offence. They should be taught not to dismiss cases as private or domestic issues and to ensure that all cases are investigated thoroughly and referred to court when necessary, without showing leniency or bias toward the perpetrator.
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