A recent study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has highlighted a troubling rise in gender-based violence (GBV) against women aged 18 to 24, with perpetrators often being men who are not their romantic partners.
According to the findings, over 31% of women in this age group reported experiencing physical violence from non-partners. Similarly, 27% of women aged 25 to 34 shared comparable experiences.
The study also underscores that black women in South Africa are disproportionately affected by GBV compared to other racial groups.
Conducted as a population-based household survey, the study included women from diverse regions across South Africa. The results reveal that 33% of participants—equivalent to over 7.3 million women—have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. Additionally, 10% of the sample, or more than 2 million women, reported being victims of sexual violence.
Dr. Mpumi Zungu, the HSRC’s research director, expressed deep concern over the findings.
“These figures are alarming and demand immediate attention. We need to reevaluate our strategies and collective response to GBV,” Zungu stated.
While the prevalence of GBV remains high, there is some indication of awareness among men, with 85% of male survey participants acknowledging familiarity with GBV laws.
The study calls for urgent action to address the pervasive violence and improve the effectiveness of existing measures aimed at combating GBV in South Africa.
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