Crimes against women in South Africa, an analysis of the phenomenon of GBV and femicide An overview of the prevalence of crimes against women in the country and the conditions that exacerbate GBV leading to femicide. Stats SA, 2020

Abstract

South Africa is grappling with a deeply entrenched culture of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, where women are disproportionately affected by violent attacks and murders. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), in 2020, there were 2,929 reported cases of murder of women and children, with 5,000-6,000 reported cases of rape. The prevalence of GBV is fuelled by a complex interplay of societal, economic, and political factors that perpetuate harmful attitudes towards women.
The high levels of unemployment, poverty, and social inequality create a sense of powerlessness among men, which can lead to a culture of aggression and dominance. The normalisation of violence and the objectification of women's bodies in media and popular culture also contribute to a toxic environment. Moreover, the inadequate policing and prosecution of GBV crimes, as well as the lack of effective support systems for survivors, exacerbate the problem.
Other conditions and context that exacerbate GBV leading to femicide include a lack of education and economic empowerment for women, a culture of silence and shame surrounding GBV, and the presence of firearms in many homes. The country's failure to address these underlying issues has resulted in a significant number of women being killed by intimate partners or family members. To address the root causes of GBV and femicide, a comprehensive approach is required that involves government, civil society, and individuals working together to create a society that values and respects women's lives and dignity.