This report evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of initiatives the South African government has implemented to address gender-based violence (GBV), among other forms of violence, in an effort to rebuild and heal South African communities from the traumas of the past. GBV has been acknowledged as a major concern, as reflected in the Crime Prevention Strategy adopted in 1996. The South African government has also signed international treaties (e.g., 1995 Beijing Declaration, Millennium Development Goals of 2000) and regional conventions (e.g., Maputo Protocol, Southern African Development Community Policy on Gender) to deal with the problem of GBV. Furthermore, various pieces of relevant local legislation have been enacted: the Domestic Violence Act (No. 116 of 1998), Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act (No. 6 of 2012), Maintenance Act (No. 99 of 1998) and Protection from Harassment Act (No. 17 of 2011). National campaigns such as 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children and the 365 Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence were initiated to raise awareness about GBV and find ways of preventing it. The report discusses all of these efforts.
Mapping-gender-based-violence-prevention-and-response-strategies
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
