Curbing Gender-Based Violence: A Collective Urgency

On November 21, just before the important campaign known as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the South African government classified gender-based violence (GBV) as a national disaster. This significant move came after weeks of powerful protests and tireless efforts by anti-GBV organizations across the country. Declaring it a national disaster allows the government to fast-track essential interventions to tackle this pressing issue.

The Need for Focused Support

One of the immediate actions we advocate for is the need to allocate resources specifically to high-risk groups, including pregnant women, girls, and mothers of young children. It’s also crucial to invest in mental health care for women and girls who are facing violence.

Let’s look at the experience of Thabisa*, a woman whose life took a devastating turn after she disclosed her pregnancy to her partner. What began as excitement quickly turned into a nightmare. Insults became normal, controlling behavior escalated, and soon it turned violent. After their baby was born, her partner left, accusing her of “bringing this on herself.” Alone and overwhelmed, Thabisa found herself in a dark place—crying during the day, unable to sleep at night, missing medical appointments, and withdrawing from her family. She started believing that she was the problem.

Tragically, Thabisa’s story is not unique. In South Africa, women and girls face alarmingly high rates of GBV. Violence often spikes during pregnancy and after childbirth, a time when stress, both emotional and financial, can reach new heights.

Understanding the Types of Violence

It’s essential to understand the different forms of violence. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) involves abuse from a partner or spouse. In contrast, Domestic Violence (DV) can include abuse from other family members like relatives or in-laws. During pregnancy, there’s a troubling connection between violence and mental health issues. According to research by the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) at the University of Cape Town, women exposed to IPV or DV face heightened risks of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Symptoms like constant worry, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal can further isolate them.

Women already grappling with mental health challenges are often more vulnerable to abuse. Fear and self-blame can make it even harder for them to seek help. Social stigma complicates matters further—when women speak out, they may face disbelief or rejection, while internal stigma traps them in silence, making them feel “weak” or “crazy.” This cycle of shame and rejection can lead to even more violence, as abusers may perceive a woman’s distress as laziness or stubbornness.

The Impact on Children

Violence during pregnancy can negatively affect both mothers and children. South Africa experiences one of the highest rates of intimate partner femicide globally, where women are killed by their partners. According to the South African Child Gauge report, violence against mothers often coexists with violence against children. Pregnant women suffering from abuse are more likely to expose their children to neglect and violence. Young boys who witness their mothers being abused are more likely to become violent later. Similarly, girls raised in hostile environments are at higher risk of facing abuse as adults.

Though GBV is prevalent, it should never be considered normal. Breaking this cycle requires collective effort.

Community Action is Key

Government agencies must invest in effective programs that address both violence and maternal mental health, focusing not only on outcomes but also root causes. Healthcare and social service providers play a crucial role here. They often have repeated interactions with women during and after pregnancy, giving them unique opportunities to listen and support these women.

The World Health Organization suggests a supportive approach known as the “LIVES” strategy (Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance Safety, Support). New national guidelines on integrated maternal and perinatal care also provide healthcare workers with clear steps for referring women to shelters, mental health services, and police assistance.

Communities and families are equally vital in this battle. Breaking the silence surrounding these issues, believing survivors, and offering practical support—like a safe place to stay or childcare—can make all the difference.

In Thabisa’s situation, a vigilant clinic nurse noticed her distress and referred her to a counselor. With that support, Thabisa finally had a space to express herself freely. She learned she wasn’t to blame for her situation and began to rebuild her confidence, reconnect with her family, and plan a safer future for herself and her child.

In Conclusion

While violence against women remains a significant problem in South Africa, it is only through a united stance—combining compassion, awareness, and responsibility—that we can hope to break this cycle. Together, we can create a safer future for our women and children.

*Names and details changed for privacy.

CurbingGBV #EndGenderBasedViolence #SupportSurvivors #MentalHealthMatters #SafeSpaces #CollectiveAction #StopTheViolence #WomenEmpowerment #BreakTheSilence #HopeAndHealing

Original Text – https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/2025-11-28-opinion-curbing-gbv-needs-collective-effort/