Change behaviour to break abuse cycle

NICRO is rolling out a nationwide action campaign of gender-based violence (GBV) awareness and intervention, to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

We are hosting events and programmes to educate our communities about GBV and the lasting wounds it leaves. Our goal is to lower the level of tolerance of GBV at community level, as well as to break the cycle of violence.

The solution to intimate partner violence is in working with perpetrators to change the root of their behaviour through intensive therapeutic intervention. This is the only way to break the cycle.

Victims of GBV are left with scars and need healing. Yet we find they are often “repeat-victimised”, either intentionally, through victim shaming, or unintentionally, through lack of sensitivity training on the part of the SAPS in dealing with their cases.

These factors may deter victims from reporting incidents of GBV. It may also mean statistics on GBV don’t reflect the true extent of the problem, due to low levels of reporting. Lack of reporting means lack of intervention. Ultimately, the ones perpetrating the violence don't get the help they need to stop.

Over the last year, just 10.2% of our clients went through our “perpetrators of intimate violence” programme, which may be pointing to the low reporting rates of GBV and domestic violence.

If we want to stop GBV, the solution lies in changing behaviour on the part of offenders and diminishing tolerance for abuse in our communities. Only by doing this can we take meaningful steps towards ending GBV and creating a safe South Africa.