The ongoing challenge of violence against women and children in South Africa. Why are we deeper in crisis?

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) has been referred to as the Shadow Pandemic, since it has tripled internationally from the start of the outbreak of COVID-19. The increased rates of reported GBV around the globe have ranged from 30% to 200%. We have seen high numbers of GBV reports in South Africa as well, with the GBV toll-free emergency hotline reporting 120 000 calls in the first three weeks of lockdown.

Keywords

• south africa
• covid-19
• lockdown
• gender based violence
• domestic violence
• women abuse