The Causes Of Gender-Based Violence In South Africa
Image Source: FreeImages
There is a lot of talk about violence and gender-based violence in South Africa. But what does it mean, why is it happening and how can we stop it? Violence against women (VAW) is a global problem that exists everywhere. It’s also something that occurs within our communities as well as outside them. In South Africa, VAW has been prevalent for decades. Statistics from the National Plan of Action on VAW had shown how VAW was affecting nearly every community across the country. The country had experienced a spike in gender-based violence that began in 2008. This article will discuss 10 things you should know about the causes of gender-based violence in South Africa so that you can take action and make a difference if you see, hear or know anyone who may be at risk of being affected by this kind of crime.
Culture and Identity
Gender-based violence is more prevalent in some cultures and communities than in others. For example, in some parts of India, it is common to see women in their mid-20s married off to much older men. While in other countries, such as South Africa, some women find themselves at risk of VAW because they have been circumcised. In most cultures, women are expected to be subservient to men. They are expected to be mothers and caretakers of the family, but also play an equal role in society by working outside the home. But when women are expected to be subservient to men, they also need to be subservient to their gender stereotype. Violence in societies like these is often cultural. It is often linked to the way of life and the identity of the people who live in those societies.
Gender-Based Violence Is Part Of A Cycle
VAW is part of a cycle that starts with the belief that some women are ‘your property and that they ‘belong’ to men. This belief is then reinforced by cultural norms and gender stereotypes. Women who are expected to be subservient to men are often made to feel they have no value because they are not considered ‘men’s property. The society also encourages men to view women as objects, which leads to abuse and violence against women. In some communities, men are encouraged to look down on women and see them as ‘less than men. This is part of a cycle because these ‘less than’ women then internalize this view and abuse and violence against them become normalized. These women then become examples for other women who also need to be ‘less than men.
Gender-Specific Trauma
Trauma is something that happens to people, but it is not the same for everyone. Women who are survivors of VAW often experience different types of trauma than women who are not affected by violence. These types of trauma include feelings of worthlessness and isolation. Some women who experience VAW also experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This type of trauma can be linked to the belief that some women are ‘less than men. Women who experience gender-specific trauma may also have experienced sexual abuse as a child. They may have also experienced gender-based abuse as a child or as an adult. In these cases, the trauma experienced could be linked to a person’s transgender or gender identity. These women may suffer from anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or a sense of isolation. Some of these women may also have suffered injuries during the violence, which can make them feel like they are ‘less than’ or ‘out of place’.
Lack of Economic Empowerment And Confidence In Society
Gender-based violence often occurs in communities where women and girls are not empowered economically. Many of these women and girls had been expected to stay at home and look after the family. Because of this, some of them had lost confidence in themselves. They may have believed that they were ‘less than or ‘not good enough to work outside the home. These women may have also been discouraged from pursuing higher education because their families were unable to afford the costs. Many of these women had also been raised in single-parent families, where the mother was their only support. This can make her feel like she is ‘not enough to raise her children. Society can also play a role in discouraging women and girls from leaving the house. For example, women may be discouraged from going to work when they see other women who are wearing ‘traditional’ clothes or are doing ‘traditional’ tasks. Women may also be discouraged from going out and attending school when they see other women attending class with their ‘male’ hairstyles.
Alcohol And Drug Use In Society
People who experience high levels of violence may turn to alcohol and drugs to ‘self-medicate’. These women may also turn to drugs such as alcohol to numb the feelings of worthlessness and isolation caused by VAW. They may also turn to drugs to ‘escape’ from their reality, as some people often do when they are experiencing a lot of stress. Women who are victims of VAW may also turn to drug and alcohol use as a ‘ Way of coping with their reality and their feelings of isolation. They may turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain caused by the constant abuse, or to ‘escape’ and forget about the abuse for a while.
The Need For Effective Legislation And Enforcement
VAW can be prevented through legislation that is effective and enforced. Effective legislation means that it is clear, accessible, and enforced by the authorities. This includes laws that protect women from violence, such as the Domestic Violence Act. Law enforcement should include protective services, such as shelters where women can go and get help if necessary. Law enforcement should also include education and prevention programs, such as those that raise awareness about gender-based violence. The need for effective legislation and enforcement is especially important in a country like South Africa, where there is a history of violence against women. Statistics from the National Plan of Action on VAW show that most people who experience VAW have been affected by violence before. This means that these programs and laws are especially important in preventing VAW in the future.
Conclusion
Gender-based violence happens in all societies, but it tends to be more pronounced in some cultures and communities than in others. This happens because certain people are told that they ‘belong to’ certain genders, while others have been encouraged to ‘belong to’ no gender. This difference may also be linked to the way of life in that society.
