Gender-based violence
Government continues to intensify its fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which President Cyril Ramaphosa has described as the country’s ‘second pandemic’.
The National Strategic Plan on GBVF
The National Strategic Plan on GBVF is the government's comprehensive strategy for tackling all forms of violence and abuse against women and children. Since the launch of the strategic plan in 2020, several new interventions have been implemented.
- Extensive legal reform
- Support for survivors through the provision of evidence kits at police stations
- Psychological and social services
- The establishment of a GBVF Response Fund
- Support for Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care Centres, which provide vital services for GBV survivors
Around R21 billion has been dedicated over the medium-term to the implementation of the six pillars of the plan, including the economic empowerment of women.
Private-Sector GBVF Response Fund
The GBVF Response Fund was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa together with the International Women’s Forum of South Africa in February 2021 to address the high levels of GBVF in South Africa.
Since then, around R162 million has been pledged to the fund, with 75% of this amount already collected.
R150 million
Pledged
R69 million
Distributed
110
Community organisations benefitted
Legislation to fight GBV
Government has introduced new laws to protect women and children in South Africa from abuse and violence.
We are implementing new legislation which has strengthened the criminal justice system, put more effective deterrents in place to promote accountability, and enabled better protection and support for survivors.
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill
Expands the definition of incest
Introduces a new offence of sexual intimidation
Further regulates the National Register for Sex Offenders
Regulates the reporting duties of people who are aware that sexual offences have been committed
Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill
Introduces mandatory DNA collection for certain crimes
DNA to be taken from people convicted for schedule 8 offences – rape, murder, human trafficking, robbery and culpable homicide
Domestic Violence Amendment Bill
Expands the definition of domestic violence to include actions such as controlling or bullying behaviour
Makes provisions for protecting people in engagements, dating and in customary relationships
Further regulates protection orders in response to domestic violence
Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill
Amends various laws that address GBV and offences committed against vulnerable people
Provides for additional procedures to reduce secondary victimisation of vulnerable people in court proceedings
In the media
‘Big step forward’: DNA samples from violent criminals now compulsory
Mandatory DNA samples will now be taken from offenders guilty of serious crimes, a move hailed as a “big step” towards solving and preventing crime, especially sexual offences.
Times Live
Activists welcome legislation to beef up fight against GBV
Three pieces of legislation that amend several key areas in the fight against gender-based violence have been welcomed by gender activists.
News24
Programmes and policies that promote women’s financial independence are critical to reducing the rates of GBVF. Find out more about what the government is doing to support women-owned SMMEs, women entrepreneurs and more.
Dedicated GBV desks
Government is making progress in establishing dedicated desks at police stations in GBVF hotspots. The desks are staffed by police officers who are specifically trained to provide victim-centred assistance and support.
There are now 134 desks in operation and the goal is to have a GBV desk in all police stations countrywide.
