Tears Foundation has revealed shocking facts about the number of Gender-based violence prevalent in South Africa across all strata of society. The research reveals that only seven percent of cases have been reported to the police, irrespective of income.

Today we believe we are living in a progressive society; but is it really one? The answer seems to be NO!

Women in this era are growing and trying to become hyper-dependent so that they don’t have to look out for help, even for minute inconvenience. However, the world is still not a safe space for women to explore without the fear of being in a vulnerable state.

Women can be seen in almost every sector like business, corporate and politics. They are being considered liberated. But what hasn’t changed is that females are still at the receiving end of various forms of violence.

Countries such as South Africa where strict norms are being followed in order to keep women safe is still seeing instances of violence against women. Research has unearthed various facets that South Africa is lagging in, in terms of women’s safety.

Something that the entire nation can agree is, despite having a decent income, women are subjected to gender-based violence that affects their productivity and discourages them from pursuing their dreams. 

Gender-based Violence (GBV)

A nonprofit organisation supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse, Tears Foundation has conducted research and the findings have been revealed where it states that Gender-based violence has penetrated through all socio-economic conditions in South Africa even though the country has progressive laws.

Counting on numbers, the foundation has registered a total of 53,004 verified phone calls who are GBV victims, having called to seek help. This numerical data has been collected in between 2020 to 2023.

It also discloses that GBV is not only limited to under-privileged women but it affects high, medium and low-income people as well, as per Cornè Davis. Coming from the University of Johannesburg, she has analysed the help of the foundation at your Fingertips USSD mobile phone data.

Statistical Figures

According to data, Limpopo, one of the smallest provinces of the country by population has recorded the highest calls per capita at 104 per 100 000 people, exemplifying how much of empowerment and development the country needs.

Cornè stated, “You would expect the largest numbers from the largest province, so that is a key finding, showing where help is needed.”

Besides, North West which is the third smallest province amongst all has seen a 103 call rate with Free State at 99 along with Mpumalanga and Gauteng at 97 and 93. Lastly, Western Cape has recorded the lowest number of calls per capita i.e., 51:100 000. Eastern Cape had seen 52, Northern Cape 59 and KwaZulu-Natal, 68.

Cornè added, “It was very obvious that GBV occurs throughout the year, but we could identify certain peak times being September, November, and October. Intriguingly, the highest volume of calls was recorded during lunch hours, between 12 and 1pm, suggesting that victims often use their workplace as a safe space to seek help.”

Conclusion

Apart from the reported cases, something that still exists as one of the most troubling aspects is that there’s very low rate of reporting to the police. This can lead to many cases that have not been notified to the official.

There’s only seven percent of cases being reported, as per Cornè and that is because of the systemic failures in the criminal justice system that prevents people from looking out for help. Besides, the police also not that well-equipped in order to handle rapes cases, having a backlog in DNA analysis.

She said, “When I spoke to the NPA recently, they were saying they were catching up, or trying their best to catch up on the backlog.”

In conclusion, the nation needs to put its focus on women’s safety and bring certain laws that can change the scenarios for all the females living within the country.