GBV survivors suffer

Gender-based violence victims suffer the most from the shortage of social workers, as many cases fall through the cracks.

The case of sexual assault and harassment against a former acting judge will be in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Initially, the National Prosecuting Authority decided not to prosecute.

However, a female advocate and member of the Johannesburg Bar approached AfriForum’s private prosecution unit for support.

Then, in February, the director of public prosecutions indicated the intention to prosecute the accused.

“As a practising advocate of the high court of SA and a member of what is deemed a prestigious institution, the sequence of events made me realise the reality of threats to my safety, career and livelihood,” the complainant said.

“I am grateful for AfriForum’s intervention because there is no other organisation that was resilient enough to stand against a system or specific individuals who are deemed to be invincible, or have the integrity and posture to protect those who are victims of the pandemic of gender-based violence in SA.”

People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) communications manager Thandiwe McCloy said there needed to be more services for GBV victims in rural and disadvantaged areas.

“It’s important to socialise children to know that boys are not better than girls and that they are equal,” she said.

McCloy said South Africa was among the top five countries in the world with the highest consumption of alcohol.

“Alcohol abuse perpetuates gender-based violence. There is evidence that heavy drinking or frequent drinking by males increases the risk of violence. Heavy drinking increases aggressive behaviour and lack of control and increases the risk of domestic violence and sexual violence.”

Phinah Kodisang from Soul City Institute For Social Justice said: “We don’t see enough prosecutions. Any justice delayed is justice denied. Community sensitisation should happen every day.”