Barometer 2024: Gender-based Violence

• The first comprehensive study on gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa reveals that 35.5% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. This underscores the pervasive nature of GBV and its deep-rooted impact on society.
• The additional findings that 1.3% of men in South Africa perpetrate sexual violence against other men and 2.3% of men experience sexual violence during adulthood highlight the need for inclusive GBV programmes that address violence against all genders.
• The US State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons report, indicating that 15 out of 16 SADC countries fail to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, points to significant gaps in legal frameworks, enforcement, and victim support services.
• The lack of specific domestic violence laws in the DRC and Tanzania further exacerbates the vulnerability of survivors.
• The public perception in South Africa, where 78% of people believe domestic violence should be treated as a criminal matter, contrasts sharply with the 18% who view it as a private issue. This dichotomy reflects the ongoing struggle to shift societal attitudes towards recognising domestic violence as a serious crime.
• The financial exclusion of women in most SADC member states limits their economic opportunities and independence, exacerbating their vulnerability to GBV and other forms of exploitation.
• In conflict-affected areas like the DRC, survivors face additional risks of violence while seeking essential resources, highlighting the intersection of GBV with broader socio-economic and political instability.
• South Africa’s high court ruling that rape suspects can no longer rely on the subjective belief that a complainant consented represents a significant legal reform that strengthens protections for survivors.
• As access to technology increases, there are parallel risks for the perpetuation of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), necessitating comprehensive responses that include legal protections, public awareness campaigns, and support services for survivors.
• These findings collectively underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address GBV, trafficking, and financial exclusion, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the SADC region. 

Download the Barometer Gender-based violence chapter.
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