Communities Must Become the Frontline in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

South Africa continues to face an ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics once again revealing the devastating scale of violence experienced by women and children across the country.

Recently,  Our CEO, Phinah Kodisang spoke to eNCA about the persistent crisis of GBVF and the urgent need for communities to become actively involved in prevention and reporting efforts.

Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has stated that homes are no longer safe spaces, revealing that 47.2 percent of rapes occur in residential settings. The Soul City Institute agrees that this is a national crisis requiring urgent and collective action.

While government and civil society organisations continue to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms, the reality remains that violence is still happening at alarming levels  particularly within homes and private spaces. This is why communities must move from being bystanders to becoming active participants in preventing violence and protecting survivors.

According to Our CEO, one of the biggest challenges in addressing GBVF is that much of the abuse happens in environments where people are aware of what is taking place but choose to remain silent.

“Gender-based violence happens in homes, within families, and inside communities. We all have a duty to report violence and become part of the solution. Communities cannot afford to look away while women and children suffer in silence,” says Kodisang.

The latest SAPS statistics showed that thousands of rape cases were reported during the most recent quarter, with many incidents occurring in residential settings. These numbers reflect more than crime data — they represent lives disrupted, trauma endured, and communities affected by violence that continues to thrive behind closed doors.

One of the major concerns raised by advocates is the culture of silence and protection that often surrounds perpetrators. In many cases, abusers are shielded because they are family members, partners, respected community members, or financial providers. This silence not only protects perpetrators but also discourages survivors from speaking out or seeking help.

The Soul City Institute believes that ending GBVF requires a collective societal response. Law enforcement alone cannot prevent violence if communities refuse to act, report, or intervene when warning signs are visible.

Communities have a critical role to play in identifying abuse, supporting survivors, and helping authorities respond quickly. Reporting suspected violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation can save lives and prevent further harm.

“Silence protects perpetrators. Reporting violence protects lives. We need communities to work hand-in-hand with police, social workers, schools, and local organisations to ensure survivors are protected and perpetrators are held accountable,” Kodisang explains.

It is important that  there is an improvement in trust between communities and the criminal justice system. Survivors often face secondary victimisation when reporting cases at police stations or navigating lengthy court processes. Greater sensitivity, faster responses, and survivor-centred services are essential to ensuring more people feel safe enough to report abuse.

Alcohol abuse also remains a major contributor to violence in many communities, particularly over weekends. This points to the need for stronger prevention programmes, awareness campaigns, and community-led interventions that address substance abuse and harmful social norms linked to masculinity and violence, said Our CEO

Education remains one of the most powerful tools in addressing GBVF. Communities must continuously engage in conversations about consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, parenting, and accountability. Young people, especially boys and men, must be included in efforts to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes before they escalate into violence.

Ending GBVF is not only the responsibility of government or civil society organisations, it is a shared responsibility that requires every individual, family, and community to act.

South Africa cannot afford to normalise violence any longer. Creating safer homes and communities starts with speaking out, reporting abuse, supporting survivors, and refusing to protect perpetrators.

Every community member has a role to play. Every report matters. Every action can help save a life.