Gender based-violence cases increase during lockdown level 3

By: Anelisa Sibanda

Twitter: @Anelisa_Sibanda

Anelisag98@gmail.com

Gender-based violence(GBV) is a widespread problem in South Africa impacting almost everyone in the country leaving South Africa as one of the countries with the highest levels of GBV in the world. This affects women and children more. Since the country entered level 3 of lock-down there has been a surge in gender-based violence.

 This spiked after a pregnant woman was found hanging in a tree in Dobsonville. Citizens took the social media streets with #WomenLivesMatter hashtag, calling for the police and government to take action and find the perpetrators so that families of victims get the justice they deserve.

 Sibonginkosi Ndebele(27) said that the law has to do more when it comes to GBV issues and change its approach, make amendments on its current standing that first time offenders are potentially third time offenders as well just because he was never reported before does not mean it is his first time doing it.

“The South African Police Services(SAPS) is not doing enough although they do try their best by issuing a warrant of arrest and the question remains; does the person have to be violent towards me for the police to take action and arrest the person?", noted Ndebele.

Ndebele also added that women and children are vulnerable in our society and that the government should at least form a unit which will only focus on GBV cases making the cases of those murdered by their partners a top priority.

 Hilda Ndlovu (37) said as a woman in South Africa does not feel safe walking around, be it during the day or at night because you never know what might happen to you. “The government is already doing something but they have to do more to fight the violence against children and women”, added Ndlovu.

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Boven Makhube (28) said he is totally against men who abuse women and children because all lives matter hence no women should be abused. “My take on GBV is that it is one of the cruel things in the world, men should not make their voices to be heard through violence”, added Makhube.

Makhube added that background may also have an impact on some people, some become what they see however this should not be a justification to as to why they abuse women. “Our laws are very weak when it comes to prosecuting the perpetrators of gender-based violence”, noted Makhube

“The police also need to take a stand in fighting GBV had they be doing their job properly maybe the cases of gender based-violence in our country was not going to be this high. I loathe men who abuse and kill our women and children”, added Makhube.