Assessing the barriers to combatting gender-based violence: a perspective from the frontline

Davids, Haanim

Assessing the barriers to combatting gender-based violence: a perspective from the frontline

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Political Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

South African women are under constant threat of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the scourge continues unabated. It is well documented that South Africa has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world, but less well documented are the barriers to GBV service provision and post-rape care for survivors. Numerous studies and reports still document endemic weaknesses in GBV policy implementation and service provision. In recent years, GBV has been termed South Africa's second pandemic, after the COVID-19 pandemic and has been prioritized by the South African government and civil society organizations. Various Victim Empowerment Programmes were established and various laws on sexual assault and violence against women and children have been passed, but despite such intensified efforts, barriers remain in post-rape services. This dissertation considers the barriers to accessing victim support services and how the implementation of these services could be improved on the frontline. It reviews the effectiveness of laws, policies and strategies to combat gender-based violence in South Africa. It specifically investigates the potential barriers facing rape survivors from accessing government services resulting from poor inter-departmental coordination, and what the implications are for developing a more effective joined-up or whole of government approach. Addressing unique barriers at service levels will ensure inclusivity and protection from GBV, which must be prioritized. Understanding the needs of survivors is essential in developing effective and inclusive GBV prevention and support services through a joined-up government approach. The research methodology was based on a qualitative, desk- top research design and four one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with key informants from GBV service providers in the Cape Town Metro and police oversight bodies. The findings suggest that one of the most pronounced barriers to effective implementation of post-rape care service provision includes the perpetuation of secondary victimization by frontline providers due to a lack of knowledge, training, negative attitudes, values and beliefs. The fragmented response to victims of GBV was also sometimes due to institutional arrangements and resulted in poor coordination and cooperation amongst implementing agents which ultimately undermined compassionate responsiveness to victims of sexual violence. A lack of capacity, appropriate funding and incentive also posed challenges to accessing post-rape care for survivors relating to long-term counselling for survivors and implementing agents, training for specialized staff and funding for NGOs that was not prescriptive and directed for certain outcomes by funders. All of these factors ultimately perpetuated a culture of secondary victimization, leaving victims feeling discouraged and disempowered.

Keywords

GBV

South Africa

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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