Gender-based Violence in South Africa: An Emerging Pandemic during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Description

Page: 164-170

Victor H. Mlambo¹, Xolani Thusi², Nkosingiphile Mkhize³, and Siphelele N. Mahlaba⁴ (School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa¹, Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, South Africa², Department of Public Administration and Management, University of the Free State, South Africa³, and Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, South Africa⁴)

This article explores violence against women in South Africa, its causes, implications, and how the South African government has responded to what many have called a new pandemic. A qualitative research approach was employed through the review of the literature. The social learning theory was applied as a theoretical lens. South Africa struggles with gender-based violence (GBV), especially towards women. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the suffering of women as they were locked up with their abusers. Additionally, there have been criticisms about the effectiveness of laws meant to protect women against violence. The absence of a father figure in the household and increased drug and alcohol abuse have contributed to GBV, often with severe implications for gender equality. The difficulty in accessing the justice system has compounded the suffering of women, hence increased calls for laws to be amended to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law as this would serve as a strong deterrence.