What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is enabled by the prevalence of gender inequality and is rooted in patriarchal gender norms. It is pressuring another person to do something against his or her will through violence, coercion, threats, deception, cultural expectations, or economic means. GBV is likely to result in physical, sexual, economic, or psychological harm or suffering, which includes threats of such acts as coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. GBV refers to any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender.

Who can be affected by GBV?

Gender-based violence (GBV) does not discriminate. Any person of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender can be a victim or perpetrator of GBV. It mostly affects women throughout their life cycle (before birth to elder abuse) and is often exacerbated by cultural, economic, ideological, technological, political, religious, social, and environmental factors. GBV Femicide (GBVF) impacts the lives and well-being of survivors, children, families, communities, and society. Although most survivors of GBV are girls and women, LGBTIQ+, boys, and men can also be targeted through GBV, as can other vulnerable groups.

Who is classified as a Vulnerable person?

A vulnerable group refers to a person less able to take care of or protect themselves from exploitation, including a disabled person, a person with mobility problems, a person with mental health difficulties, children, the aged, and female students under the age of 25.

How can survivors of GBV get help?

Survivors can access support from the Stellenbosch GBV Centre (24/7) in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch (no charge), by calling +27 63 238 4280. Additional support options include the GBV Command Centre (24/7) at 0800 428 428, the SAPS Emergency Line at 10111, and Childline at 0800 055 555.

What happens if I report GBV directly to the Stellenbosch GBV Centre?

When you report an act of GBV to the Stellenbosch GBV Centre, a dedicated team listens, understands, and guides you on your journey toward recovery. The centre offers a safe space to express yourself freely and access the resources you need. They will assist with immediate medical care (24-hour access to doctors and nurses specialised in GBV at no cost), arrange counselling services, assist in opening a police case if desired, and provide ongoing counselling and court preparation, including help with forensic evidence collection. The centre provides high-quality medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and emergency accommodation where required.

What happens if I report GBV to the police?

When GBV is reported to the police, they are required to take your statement in private, provide immediate protection if you are in danger, open a case and investigate, and refer you to medical and social services. Survivors can request a protection order or safely withdraw from the process with professional support.

What is a Protection Order?

A Protection Order is a legal document issued by the court to prevent an abuser from contacting, threatening, or harming a victim. Violating a Protection Order is a criminal offence.

What are the main types of GBV?

The most common forms include physical abuse (hitting, slapping, kicking, or using weapons), sexual abuse (rape, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact), emotional/psychological abuse (insults, threats, humiliation, controlling behaviour), economic/financial abuse (controlling finances, denying access to money or resources), and digital abuse (harassment, stalking, sharing private images online without consent). GBV also includes rape, sexual harassment, trafficking of women for sex, and sexual exploitation. Economic abuse, which controls or withholds financial resources, often leaves survivors with little choice but to remain in abusive relationships. Even after leaving, financial abuse may continue through withheld child maintenance.

What causes GBV?

GBV is never caused by the victim’s behaviour or actions. Vulnerability to violence is intensified by marginalisation and the exploitation of women based on race, poverty, sexual orientation, gender identity, migrant status, disability, age, HIV status, and sex work, which intersect with experiences of violence. Additional factors include violence as a means of asserting power, absent parents (particularly fathers), and unemployment. Patriarchal social norms and belief systems further create environments that fuel GBV.

Is GBV only a problem in certain communities or cultures?

No. GBV occurs in all societies, across all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Some communities may face higher risks due to poverty, lack of education, or limited access to justice. Cultural practices like forced marriage are unlawful but still recognised as forms of GBV. Rape femicides, where a female is raped and killed in the same crime, represent the most extreme form of GBV.

What are the signs that someone may be experiencing GBV?

Possible indicators include unexplained injuries, frequent absences from work or school, withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, depression, behavioural changes, loss of confidence, limited freedom, isolation, and signs of financial control or dependency. Chronic exposure to violence can lead to mental health problems such as PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

What should I do if I suspect someone is a victim of GBV?

Encourage them to seek help from trusted organisations such as the Stellenbosch GBV Centre where services are confidential and free of charge. Approach the person with empathy, listen and believe their story, and avoid pressuring them to leave immediately — safety planning is important. If they are in immediate danger, contact the police or a crisis helpline.

Can men be victims of GBV?

Yes. Men and boys can also experience GBV, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, and emotional abuse. However, stigma or fear of not being believed may make them less likely to report it.

What rights do GBV survivors have?

Survivors have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, receive free medical care and counselling, report abuse and access justice, receive protection through restraining or protection orders, and have their confidentiality and privacy respected.

How can GBV be prevented?

Prevention starts with strengthened evidence-based prevention programmes, behaviour and social norm change within communities, restoration of human dignity, building caring communities, ensuring public spaces are safe and violence-free, promoting gender equality and respect in families, schools, and workplaces, teaching children about consent and healthy relationships, empowering women and vulnerable groups, holding perpetrators accountable, and supporting community awareness and advocacy programmes.

What is the role of the community in addressing GBV?

Communities can speak out against violence and harmful gender stereotypes, support survivors with compassion and confidentiality, promote education about gender equality, and partner with organisations and authorities to prevent and respond to GBV.

How can workplaces or schools help prevent GBV?

Workplaces and schools can invite the Stellenbosch GBV Centre to inform scholars and employees about available support, establish clear anti-GBV policies, offer awareness and training sessions, provide confidential reporting channels, and ensure victims are supported and protected.