STATISTICS reveal one in every six women is regularly assaulted by her partner – and in at least 46 percent of cases the men involved also abuse the children.
That is according to Dr Lerato Dikobe-Kalane, Psychiatry Management Group board member, speaking during the 16 days of activism of no violence against women and children taking place until 10 December.
She says statistics paint a dire picture, with a recently released Optimus study on child sexual abuse and maltreatment finding that one in every three young South Africans has experienced some sort of sexual abuse by the age of 17.
‘Unfortunately many cases go unreported, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the full extent of abusive and violent episodes.
‘Women are still unaware of their rights, while others are afraid of further violence from the perpetrator if they attempt legal action.
‘This is compounded by the introduction of the new Domestic Violence Act, which many women do not fully understand, and the widespread non-compliance to the Act at police station level where domestic violence cases are not being recorded as they should be.’
Dikobe-Kalane says the prevalence of violence has a negative effect on women’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health, and may increase their vulnerability to HIV.
‘Domestic violence can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, emotional distress, substance abuse and suicide attempts.’
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