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Original Research Article | Open Access | Peer Reviewed
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Exploring the Complexities of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis
Elisabet Alvarez Merino
Iduabo John Afa
Abstract
In present times, gender-based violence (GBV) is a global scourge. It is highly prevalent in South Africa, where
the rates of incidents are exorbitant, particularly those of sexual violence against women. The goal of this
paper is to explore the implications of factors such as societal norms affected by the country’s unique
historical circumstances that promote rising rates of gender-based violence, significant underreporting of
these instances, sexual violence and the consequences for the survivors. The paper uses secondary data to
study the intersectionality of gender, population group (race), socio-economic status, and geographical
location. We further analyze the sociodemographic of GBV (particularly rape) victims and perpetrators to put
the focus on better and more gender-responsive prevention strategies. The paper highlights the importance of
paying attention to intimate partner violence (IPV) as this constitutes a highly significant percentage of the
total cases of rape and femicide. The study shows that non-white women constitute the most vulnerable
group to GBV. We conclude that proper mechanisms must be put in place which require the cooperation of the
police, judicial, medical, social and other support services to properly tackle this violence which must account
for every population group, especially the historically marginalized ones.
Iduabo John Afa
Full Text: PDF |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30845/ijhss.vol15p3
Article History:
Received: 13 January 2025 | Accepted: 28 January
2025 | Published: 23 March 2025
Reviewer(s):
Opted for Confidentiality.
Address for Correspondence:
Elisabet Alvarez Merino, Ume? University, 90187, Ume?, Sweden.
[email protected]
[email protected]
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