Justice Denied: Gender-Based Violence Crimes remain unpunishable in South Africa.
- Posted on
- In Policy, Publications
- by Lindokuhle Malambe and Liezelle Kumalo
The policy paper, Justice Denied: Gender-Based Violence Crimes Remain Unpunishable in South Africa, highlights systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Despite robust laws, survivors face barriers including police corruption, legal delays, and inadequate support services. Community dialogues revealed drivers such as mental health stigma, substance abuse, poverty, and harmful gender norms. The justice system often retraumatises victims, while limited mental health and legal resources deepen their vulnerability. The paper calls for trauma-informed policing, survivor-centered justice reforms, mental health education, economic empowerment of women, and stronger community-based interventions to effectively prevent and respond to GBV in South Africa
Lindokuhle Malambe
Lindokuhle Malambe is a dynamic young South African professional with a Master's degree in Health Promotion in Psychology. Currently serving as a Gender Assistant at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), she channels her expertise and fervour into advocating for human rights, healthcare, women's empowerment, and peace and security, with a special focus on marginalized communities. Lindokuhle has been instrumental in violence prevention efforts at various levels, from the community to the continental stage, utilizing diverse platforms to share African expertise. Through her research and advocacy work addressing gender-based violence (GBV), she has cultivated networks and partnerships to combat this pervasive issue. Lindokuhle's dedication to addressing societal challenges has garnered recognition, including her participation in the Young African Leadership Initiative Training (YALI), where she collaborates with other young experts from the SADC region. Additionally, she has been recognized for her involvement in the African Youth for Transitional Justice Training and currently part of the Youth Organisation for Research and Advocacy (YORJA), promoting social and sustainable change through research and engaging youth in post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice endeavours.
- This author does not have any more posts.
Liezelle Kumalo
Liezelle Kumalo is the Gender Specialist at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. She is working on understanding the drivers and root causes of gender-based violence within communities in South Africa to prevent future occurrences of violence. She previously conducted research on the women, peace and security agenda in 14 African countries at different levels of the peace continuum. Central to her work is showcasing women's perspectives to policymakers and support work to identify, empower and build resiliencies of women. Liezelle has a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand. She holds a bachelor's degree in Politics and Economics from the University of Johannesburg.
- Liezelle Kumalo#molongui-disabled-link