Fundamental Failures

Despite South Africa’s strong constitution, Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act, and policy measures including the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, women survivors of gender-based violence in the Western Cape described fundamental failures and almost insurmountable barriers to justice across every stage of the process. Whether it was the dismissive or hostile police officers, the excessive delays in medical examinations and court procedures, or the investigations riddled with shortcomings, women and girls were systematically ignored, disbelieved, and left unsupported.

Our findings support those of civil society organizations in South Africa, who have advocated with authorities for decades to adopt and implement measures to effectively combat gender-based violence.