Justice denied : gender-based violence crimes remain unpunishable in South Africa

Abstract

The policy paper, Justice Denied: Gender-Based Violence Crimes Remain Unpunishable in South Africa, highlights systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Despite robust laws, survivors face barriers including police corruption, legal delays, and inadequate support services. Community dialogues revealed drivers such as mental health stigma, substance abuse, poverty, and harmful gender norms. The justice system often retraumatises victims, while limited mental health and legal resources deepen their vulnerability. The paper calls for trauma-informed policing, survivor-centered justice reforms, mental health education, economic empowerment of women, and stronger community-based interventions to effectively prevent and respond to GBV in South Africa