Gender-based violence (GBV) does not discriminate. Any person of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender can be a victim or perpetrator of GBV.

It mostly affects women throughout their life cycle (before birth to elder abuse) and is often exacerbated by cultural, economic, ideological, technological, political, religious, social, and environmental factors.

GBV Femicide (GBVF) impact the lives and well-being of survivors, children, families, communities, and society.

Although most survivors of GBV are girls and women, LGBTIQ+, boys, and men can also be targeted through GBV, and overall, those listed as vulnerable groups.

A vulnerable group refers to a person less able to take care of or protect themselves from exploitation, for example:

• a disabled person,
• a person with mobility problems,
• a person with mental health difficulties,
• children,
• the aged,

and female students under the age of 25.

• The Stellenbosch GBV Centre (24/7):
  Corner of Old Helshoogte and Protea streets, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch
  (no charge)
  +27 63 238 4280
• GBV Command Centre (24/7):
  0800 428 428
• SAPS Emergency Line:
  10111
• Childline:
  0800 055 555

Report an act of GBV directly to the Stellenbosch GBV Centre.  Our dedicated team is here to listen, understand, and guide you on your journey towards recovery. We offer a safe space where you can express yourself freely and access the resources you need.

• We will assist you with immediate medical care (24-hour access to doctors and nurses, specialised in GBV, at no cost).  This care includes HIV Prevention, pregnancy prevention, and sexually transmitted disease treatment.
• We will arrange counselling services at the centre.
• We will assist you in opening a police case should you wish to do so.
• We will arrange ongoing counselling and court preparations (in the event of the case going to trial).  The clinical team will assist in the collection of forensic evidence.

The Stellenbosch GBV Centre offers victims high-quality medical care and provides access to psychological support, legal assistance, and emergency accommodation where required.

The police are required to:

• Take your statement in private.
• Provide immediate protection if you are in danger.
• Open a case and investigate.
• Refer you to medical and social services.

Survivors can request a protection order or withdraw safely with professional support.

A Protection Order is a legal document issued by the court to prevent an abuser from contacting, threatening, or harming a victim.

Violating a Protection Order is a criminal offence.

The most common forms include:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, kicking, or using weapons.
• Sexual abuse: Rape, sexual harassment, or unwanted sexual contact.
• Emotional/Psychological abuse: Insults, threats, humiliation, or controlling behaviour.
• Economic/Financial abuse: Controlling finances, denying access to money or resources.
• Digital abuse: Harassment, stalking, or sharing private images online without consent.

GBV includes the above-mentioned forms, as well as rape, sexual harassment, and trafficking of women for sex, and sexual exploitation.

Economic abuse, whereby financial resources are controlled and withheld, has a significant impact on the lives of women and children, often leaving them with no choice but to remain in abusive relationships. Furthermore, when women leave abusive relationships, financial abuse often continues through the withholding of child maintenance.

It is never caused by the victim’s behaviour or actions.

Vulnerability to violence is intensified by marginalisation and the exploitation of women based on factors such as race, poverty, sexual orientation, sexual and/or gender identity, expression and sex characteristics, migrant status, disability, age, HIV status, and sex work, which all intersect with experiences of violence, extending vulnerability further.

Violence as an expression of anger and a means of asserting power;

• Absent parents, particularly fathers; and
• Unemployment.

Patriarchal social norms and belief systems, and gender inequality are common factors in all of the above to further create contexts that fuel GBV.These historical contexts of violence and crime have been well documented by a range of social theorists across disciplines, and common combinations of theories identified include:

• ‘Culture of violence’ where violence is normative as the way to resolve conflict
• History/legacy, where inequality, poverty, lack of access to services and opportunities, marginalisation, and militarisation of men were contributory
• Exceptionally high levels of drug and alcohol abuse
• Disintegration of families
• Violence as an expression of anger and a means of asserting power
• Absent parents, particularly fathers, and
• Unemployment.

Rape femicides are those where a female is raped and killed in the same crime. It is possible that many forms of GBVF, those linked to cultural and religious practices and experiences by marginalised groups, are not included in the above.

Femicide is the most extreme form of GBV. In South Africa, it is defined as the killing of a female person or a perceived female person based on gender identity, whether committed within a domestic relationship, interpersonal relationship, or by any other person.

Possible indicators include:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent absences from work/school.
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, or depression.
• Changes in behaviour or loss of confidence.
• Limited freedom or isolation from friends and family.
• Signs of financial control or dependency.

Violence is a traumatic event, and its chronic occurrence for many women has a multiplying effect, with mental health problems being the most prevalent consequence. Women and children who experienced GBV, including rape, are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and attempts.

The South African Stress study found that rape was the most common reason for lifetime PTSD.

Amongst the biggest impacts arising from GBVF is the enduring impact on children with violence against children and adverse childhood experiences identified as a driver for GBV.

Encourage them to seek help from trusted organisations such as the Stellenbosch GBV Centre in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, where all services are confidential and FREE OF CHARGE.  The Stellenbosch GBV Centre is a unique facility for victims of gender-based violence, open to everyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Approach victims with empathy and without judgment.

Listen and believe their story.

Do not pressure them to leave immediately — safety planning is important.

If they are in immediate danger, call the police or a crisis helpline nearest to you.

Yes. Men and boys can also experience GBV, particularly sexual violence, domestic abuse, and emotional abuse. However, they may be less likely to report it due to stigma or fear of not being believed.

Survivors have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Receive free medical care and counselling.
• Report abuse and access justice.
• Protection through restraining or protection orders.
• Confidentiality and privacy.

Prevention starts with:

•  Strengthened delivery to roll out evidence-based prevention programmes.
• Changed behaviour and social norms within our communities in the rollout of evidence-based prevention interventions
• Strengthened programming that addresses the restoration of human dignity, builds caring communities and responds to historic and collective trauma.
• Public spaces that are made safe and violence-free for all, particularly women and children.
• Promoting gender equality and respect in families, schools, and workplaces.
• Teaching children about consent and healthy relationships.
• Empowering women and vulnerable groups.
• Holding perpetrators accountable.
• Supporting community awareness and advocacy programs.

Communities can:

• Speak out against violence and harmful gender stereotypes.
• Support survivors with compassion and confidentiality.
• Promote education about gender equality.
• Partner with organisations and authorities to prevent and respond to GBV.

They can:

• Invite the Stellenbosch GBV Centre to inform scholars and employees of the Support available for victims of GBV or Domestic Violence.
• Establish clear anti-GBV policies.
• Offer awareness and training sessions.
• Provide confidential reporting channels, such as the Stellenbosch GBV Centre.
• Ensure victims are supported and protected.