TEARS Foundation’s latest GBV statistics are stark, but they are not merely numbers. The charity’s findings are a call to help create a safer, more equitable society for all.
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 August 2024) – The TEARS Foundation’s new report, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), paints a harrowing picture of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
The data, meticulously collected from thousands of helpline calls, reveals a crisis that extends far beyond the headlines.
Titled A Call to Action to Prioritise GBV in South Africa, the research provides insight into the different districts in South Africa in terms of the prevalence of violence, identifies the links between different population parameters and the occurrence of GBV, as well as highlights which districts interventions are most needed.
From the highest-risk provinces to the most vulnerable demographics, the report exposes the devastating impact of GBV on individuals, families, and communities.
The report found that Limpopo province had the most calls about gender-based violence, with 104 calls per 100,000 people over four years. North West was second with 103 calls. The Free State, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng were next. Most calls were made on Sundays, followed by Tuesdays and Mondays.
Mara Glennie, the founder of TEARS Foundation, believes that the accurate statistics from the report will help us understand gender-based violence better.
The information will guide the creation of effective programs, resources, and policies to address the problem. It will also help identify areas that need the most support and evaluate how well current efforts are working.
“Our findings come at a perfect time, considering President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Bill, which will play a critical part in helping coordinate and provide strategic leadership to the efforts,” Glennie said.
“South Africa will only combat gender-based violence and femicide through strengthened work on prevention and response, which will only work through a multi-sectoral approach with the promotion of gender equality at its core.”
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Research also shows that people are aware of the different types of gender-based violence happening in South Africa and agree that we need to address this issue, especially in workplaces. This is because gender-based violence can affect how well women do at their jobs.
Based on their research, the TEARS Foundation urged business leaders to publicly oppose gender inequality in the workplace. They asked businesses to address gender discrimination and offer more support to empower women.
Although the report’s findings are concerning, it’s a call for action for everyone to stand together to fight gender-based violence, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and create a society that is safe and fair for everyone.
The TEARS Foundation’s Help-At-Your-Fingertips helpline for GBV victims is a USSD service (*134*7355#) that sends information via a mobile phone, using simple prompt-based technology.
For more information on TEARS Foundation’s helpline and specific data on the research, visit https://tears.co.za/
Sources: TEARS Foundation
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