Breaking the Silence on Femicide 

South Africa is currently facing a femicide pandemic, which is damaging the country’s social structure. Incidents often spike during the festive season due to heightened stress, alcohol abuse, and financial pressures, leaving many women even more vulnerable to violence. The 2024 festive season was particularly devastating. Gender-based violence (GBV), particularly intimate partner violence, is the driver of femicide and a national disaster.

The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study released by the Human Sciences Research Council at the end of 20204 highlights that South Africa has some of the highest rates of GBV globally, with intimate partner violence (IPV), rape, and femicide alarmingly common. The study found that 22.4% of women have experienced physical violence from their intimate partners in their lifetime, showing how serious the problem is. IPV is especially prevalent among cohabiting women, with 29.4% reporting lifetime physical violence compared to 18.5% for married women.

“The killing of women by intimate partners is a devastating reflection of the deep-rooted inequalities and trauma in our society. Women are losing their lives at the hands of those who claim to love them, and this is unacceptable.” Explains Dr Ntlotleng Mabena, NACOSA’s GBV Technical Specialist.

From 2020 to September 2024, NACOSA recorded shocking statistics on gender-based violence. Our programmes provided support to 102,378 women who had experienced violence, with 61% subjected to sexual violence and 39% to physical or emotional violence. Intimate partners were identified as perpetrators in 32% of cases. We saw 18,608 young people under 15 years who had experienced violence, with girls disproportionately affected, accounting for 81% of cases compared to 19% who were boys. Men aged 15–24 accounted for just 6% of reported cases. These data highlight the vital need for ongoing intervention and support.

The National GBV Study found that 20.5% of men admitted to having perpetrated physical and/or sexual IPV in their lifetime, which translates to a staggering 3.1 million men countrywide. “Men who engage in this kind of violence are most likely broken themselves and may be dealing with their own psychological and mental challenges, having experienced violence and trauma themselves as children, which was unaddressed.” Says Dr Mabena

“Most interventions and resources focus only on women and girls, leaving out the other half of the population.” Dr Mabena explains, “We need to start investing in programmes that engage with boys and men. If we don’t give them the opportunity to voice their pain, and the trauma they have experienced, and have been silenced by society on it, then, we are fighting a losing battle. To succeed in the fight against GBV, we need to address the root cause of the problem.”

Although South Africa’s GBV laws are progressive and gender-inclusive, their implementation remains a challenge. Stigma, fear of being judged, and a lack of trust in authorities all limit the reporting and resolution of GBV incidents.

“To address this issue, we must prioritise the safety and empowerment of women by strengthening support systems such as shelters, counselling services, and economic opportunities. At the same time, we need to challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable by effectively enforcing laws. Most importantly, we must also invest in programmes that involve men and boys.” Concludes Dr Mabena.

The HSRC Study also found that Black African women experience much higher rates of gender-based violence, largely due to past injustices and ongoing inequalities. Tackling this issue requires working with both women and their partners to confront the lasting impact of colonialism and Apartheid, which still shape how people think and act today. Solutions should focus on bringing communities together to promote healing, fairness, and shared responsibility.

Dr Mabena advocates for systemic change, focusing on breaking the cycle of violence through psychological support and societal transformation. Urges Mabena, “We need to heal both the victims and the perpetrators of violence. Without this, the cycle of violence will continue.”