News | 27 Oct 2017
The national conference to promote linking, learning and action on the state response to gender based violence (GBV), the interaction between HIV and GBV and the impact of GBV on young people – End it Now! Together in Response to GBV and HIV – issued the following resolution: The assembled delegates, Recognising the extent and severity of GBV and HIV in South Africa, Understanding the links between GBV and HIV and the burden that falls particularly on young women and girls, Acknowledging the importance of a strong collaboration between government actors, local and international donors and civil society organisations, Celebrating…
News | 25 Oct 2017
A coalition of civil society organisations are calling for a national strategic plan on gender-based violence (GBV) to include an expanded definition of GBV, filling the gaps in implementing existing laws, improved and expanded psycho-social services, increased investment in prevention and research and robust accountability mechanisms with suitable resources. In a shadow framework document released today, the Stop Gender Violence campaign maintains that if it is developed through broad-based national consultation and engagement, a national strategic plan to end GBV – like the one developed for HIV, AIDS and STIs – could be a powerful lever of change. Gender-based violence…
Tags: gbv, Policy Brief
News | 20 Oct 2017
Gender-based violence is a persistent global challenge and one that costs South Africa between R28.4 billion and R42.4 billion per year – or between 0.9% and 1.3% of GDP (KPMG, 2014). Rates of GBV are believed to be extremely high in South African communities, with many civil society organisations reporting increasing levels of violence, particularly against young women. Significantly for South Africa, which has the largest HIV burden in the world, women who experience gender-based violence are at increased risk of HIV infection. End it Now! Together in response to GBV and HIV is a national conference to promote linking,…
News | 17 Oct 2017
Intimate partner violence – particularly sexual violence – is an underreported and hidden problem in South Africa. High levels of gender based violence are highlighted during 16 Days of Activism and Women’s Month but the public perception is that sexual violence and abuse is perpetrated largely by strangers. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as the experience of “physical, sexual or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse” is a significant public health and human rights problem across the globe and in South Africa. In a nationally representative study on IPV,…
