Turn Gender-Based violence victims into survivors

GBV is when someone is mistreated because of their biological gender or gender identity. It can involve the infliction of mental, emotional, or bodily pain or harm. Harassment, intimidation, and punishment are also included.

In South Africa, GBV is a serious and prevalent problem that affects practically every part of life. GBV, which adversely impacts women and girls, is a societal problem in South Africa, with deep roots in institutions, cultures, and traditions.

How does GBV start?

Cultural components

By invoking ancient beliefs and practices about how women and girls should be treated, culture is used to legitimise gender violence and injustice.

Legal components

Being a victim of gender-based violence is seen as unpleasant and weak, and many women are still accused of inviting violence against themselves by their actions. This clarifies why there is such a low degree of reporting and investigation.

Political components

Women are under-represented in power and politics – they have less opportunities to shape the conversation and influence policy changes, as well as to implement measures to address GBV and support equality.

Economic components

Women are particularly exposed to violence because of a lack of financial resources. It generates personality cycles of violence and poverty, making it extremely difficult for victims to escape. When men are affected by unemployment or poverty, they may resort to using violence to express their manhood.

Types of GBV

Physical violence

Physical violence is defined as an act that is intended to cause pain or physical injury. As with other forms of violence, the perpetrator’s primary goal is to limit the other’s ability to self-determine, which may or may not always include physical suffering.

Verbal violence

This is a form of mental abuse in which the victim is subjected to verbal, gestures, and written abuse. Harassment, labelling, insulting, criticising and excessive yelling are all examples of verbal abuse directed at a person.

Sexual violence

Sexual abuse is any sexual act or effort to achieve a sexual act through violence or force, any act to traffic a person, or any act directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the victim’s relationship to the culprit.

Socio-economic violence

This is any action or behaviour that causes a person financial harm. Property destruction, restriction of access to financial resources, education, or the labour market, or non-compliance with economic responsibilities, such as inheritance, are all examples of economic violence.

Social worker supervisor of Amcare, Lebo Tsotetsi, said GBV affects both women and men, but women and girls are the most common victims in our country.

“As social workers, we deal with similar problems in the organisation, but we attend each case differently because our clients have varied experiences and require our full support,” Tsotetsi explained.

What are the social effects of GBV

• Severe physical injuries

• Unexpected pregnancies

• HIV or other sexually transmitted infections

• Depression and anxiety

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• A lack of capacity to do everyday duties

• Suicide thoughts

Tips to prevent GBV

• Recognise that gender plays a role in violence

• Become knowledgeable about the causes of violence

• Stop sexual harassment

• Stop blaming the victims and survivors

• Interrupt any language that is inappropriate or prejudiced

• Report the act of violence in immediate time

• Confront and reflect on your ideas and beliefs

• Understand and practice consent

Important toll-free numbers to know:

SAPS emergency: 10111

Childline: 080 005 5555

GBV command centres: 080 042 8428

SAPS: 080 001 0111

Legal Aid South Africa: 080 011 0110

Commission for gender-equality: 080 000 7709

South Africa Human Rights Commission: 011 877 3600

Domestic violence helpline: 080 015 0150

Aids helpline: 080 001 2322