New study unpacks GBV in the COVID-19 era and beyondFocus: Gender-based violence in South Africa is a critical issue, deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and social factors.

The Talking Point

New study unpacks GBV in the COVID-19 era and beyondFocus: Gender-based violence in South Africa is a critical issue, deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and social factors. On average, seven women are killed a day (1999 -2022) and femicide rates is five times higher than global rate. In a new report by the South African Medical Research Council, 60% of women who died during the height Covid-19 pandemic were at the hands of an intimate partner. The study reviewed mortuary files, autopsy reports, and interviews with police investigators. The report has also outlined that there have become more violent in nature as there is an increase in firearms (33%) and sexual assault (16,3%) as key features of femicide incidents.

Justice for victims of gender-based violence in South Africa faces several challenges. Only one of five femicide cases end in conviction. While there are laws and policies in place aimed at protecting victims and prosecuting offenders, enforcement can be inconsistent. According to the new report, many unsolved cases have been due to a lack of data on the perpetrators (50%), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Victims often encounter obstacles like stigmatization and lack of support despite legislative interventions such as National Integrated Femicide Prevention strategy being introduced. To help us unpack this report further, we are joined by...

Guest: Dr Leane Ramsoomar-Hariparsaad- Public Health Researcher & Research Uptake Specialist at the South African Medical Research Council

Guest: Dr. Nwabisa Shai - Specialist Scientist: Public Health at the South African Medical Research Council