Women are losing the battle against gender-based violence with the scourge remaining far too pervasive a problem within South African households, according to the Saartjie Baartman Centre. As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, new statistics highlight that a massive percentage of the country’s female population continue to face instances of domestic abuse, as well as blatant inequality.

According to the centre an average of three women in the country will die at the hands of their partner daily, whilst every 17 seconds a female in the country will become the victim of rape. In addition, 40% of South African men have admitted to using physical violence against their partner. And despite such a high trend in gender-based violence, only 3% of perpetrators are convicted.

Centre director, Shaheem Mcleod said the trend becomes even more concerning when taking into account that gender-related violence is costing the local economy between R28 and R42 Billion per anum.

“We know that so much more has to be done to change the dynamics of relationships, particularly within the household. In an environment where you expect that you can trust your partner, so many women are still losing their lives,” she said.

She suggested this address need come through a changing of mind-set amongst the South African youth, by highlighting to them alternative means of dealing with relationship challenges instead of resorting to violence.

On paper the country is perceived to have amongst the best legislation in the world when it comes to dealing with issues of abuse and inequality, but statistics suggest that is from what is being implemented on a daily basis. Hence, Mcleod said they were arduously seeking innovative ways to make some form of meaningful impact on the ground, within communities where such issues were rife.

“One of the things we will be doing this month is launching the Khuseleka Model, which will see the inclusion of government divisions based on our premises providing support services from one central point,” she said, expressing hope this could address the plight of those unfortunate to have become the victims of gender-based violence.

This “holistic approach” is likely to include provisions for women to open up case dockets, get protection orders, resolve maintenance issues, as well as get the documents of children sorted as well. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)