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Domestic Violence Statistics in South Africa

Domestic Violence Statistics in South Africa

iER
27 September 2022
Research
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Unfortunately, the domestic violence statistics in South Africa are notoriously high. Domestic violence, which is mainly against women and children, can affect men too. Anyone can be a victim. In a World Health Organization study, it was found that 60 000 women and children are the victims of domestic violence in South Africa each year.

Statistics on Domestic Violence

Statistics South Africa released a 2021 report saying that one in five women (21%) had experienced physical violence by a partner.

Globally, 27% of women aged 15 to 49 in a relationship have reported some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.

The prevalence estimates of lifetime intimate-partner violence ranges from 20% in the Western Pacific, 22% in high-income countries and Europe and 25% in the World Health Organisation (WHO) regions of the Americas to 33% in the WHO African region, 31% in the WHO eastern Mediterranean region, and 33% in the WHO Southeast Asia region.

From October to December 2021, 902 women were murdered, with 232 of these murders directly linked to domestic violence. At the same time, around 11 315 rape cases were reported, which translates to 123 cases daily. There was a 9% decrease in sexual offences, but the statistics often do not reflect the actual situation because such cases are under-reported, says New Frame.

Domestic abuse and physical violence go hand in hand – although abuse doesn’t necessarily have to be physically violent. 

The Law in SA

The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 protects domestic violence victims. The DVA ensures the government commits to stopping domestic violence.

The DVA allows you to get a protection order against an abuser. The protection order bars the perpetrator from abusing you. If your abuser attacks you, they would be breaching the protection order. In that case, they can be arrested and taken to court for disobeying the protection order.

Abuse is a behavioural pattern in any intimate or casual relationship. Abusers usually want to show dominance over their victims – and when this happens in a household, it can be challenging for victims to liberate themselves. 

Domestic violence is mistreating a spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend or intimate family member. AZ Coalition says that abuse is a learned behaviour; and not caused by anger, mental problems, or even drugs or alcohol. If you feel that you are in a dangerous situation with an abuser, call the cops immediately. Having a panic button on your phone can save your life. Contact iER for more information on our emergency services app TODAY. 

Different Types Of Abuse

Domestic abuse can be present in many ways. Abuse can be:

  • Physical harm,
  • Sexual misconduct, 
  • Emotional harm, 
  • Economic harm,
  • Psychological actions, and
  • Threats.

It is not okay for your partner or anyone to frighten or intimidate you on purpose, terrorise, manipulate, hurt, or humiliate you. As for physical altercations in the home, you may not injure or wound someone – arguments are normal but they’re never supposed to get physical. 

Who Is More Prone To Domestic Violence?

No one. Everyone. The statistics for domestic violence cross all borders. The victim and perpetrator can be ANYONE!

Domestic abuse can happen to any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within various types of relationships too. Gender-based violence and domestic violence are usually confused. In contrast, gender-based violence is mainly linked to femicide and abuse of women, as mentioned above. Around 137 women die at the hands of their partner or family members daily. It affects women between 15 and 44 years old, at a higher risk of rape and gender-based and domestic violence than cancer, car accidents, malaria or being injured in war. 

Domestic violence is abuse in the home that can include married couples or people living together or dating in all socioeconomic backgrounds and at all education levels – and also affects men 

How To Recognise Abuse

All abuse looks different according to the scenario and dynamic of the persons involved, but there are also some universal signs you can look for. They are abusive if your partner hits, kicks, or hurts your body even once. But it isn’t always that straightforward to recognise. 

If your partner does the following, you may need to seek intervention in your relationship:

  • Does your partner or parent constantly berate you in front of your friends or family?
  • They undermine your intelligence and call you bad words?
  • Do they question all your decisions?
  • Gaslight you?
  • Sometimes they will downplay your accomplishments even though you feel proud of yourself.
  • They threaten you with violence when you disagree with them.
  • Do they tell you that you are nothing without them?
  • Do they force you to report on your activities and whereabouts at all times?

An abuser will usually blame you for their behaviour. Also, they might say that they only act like that when drunk or high or that you are the sole person who can help them control their actions. This is untrue. Everyone is responsible for their emotional well-being. 

Sexual abuse also forms a big part of domestic violence. Do you feel that you are obligated to have sex? This is still an assault, even if they don’t physically force you to participate in a sexual act – persuading, threatening or ‘wearing you down to agree to an act is wrong and should be reported to the police. 

Any action or threat used to control or keep you in line is against your human rights.  

Do You Notice Any Effects Of Abuse On Yourself?

There are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you are a victim of abuse. If you answer yes to even one of the following questions below, you need to speak to someone or report it to the cops. 

You are not alone.

  • If you feel nervous or scared of how your partner will behave, and adjust your behaviour to keep the peace.
  • Are you constantly making excuses to other people for your partner’s behaviour?
  • Are you always doing what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want to do?
  • Do you stay with your partner because you are afraid of what your partner would do if you broke up?

Break the Silence On Domestic Violence

Here are some important contact details that every victim should note:

Learn More: Domestic Violence – How to Rebuild Your Life

If you feel you’re in danger of being abused, whether it is physical, mental or financial abuse, speak to someone you can trust, 

In the event of physical abuse, call the police before it escalates. 

The iER App is FREE to use on your smart device if you have data or a wifi connection. There are also no in-app adverts.

Sometimes, abusers get more violent when you try to leave. A selection of Silent or General one-touch alert options reaches our 24/7 call centre, which will respond within seconds!

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