News
Gender Based Violence
Prevention of Gender Based Violence
Statistics
In 2012, a study found that 77% of women in Limpopo, had experienced some form of GBV, the highest record nationally.
- Men were the main perpetrators of this violence.
- 80% of men admitted having transgressed against intimate partners.
- 83% of women who have experienced violence had children living with them at the time
The individual factors that affect gender-based violence
Many studies have shown that violence is a learned behaviour for both men and women.
Young people who grow up in households characterised by violence are more likely to normalise violence in their relationships later in life, hence the statistic 70% of children by the time they turn 15yrs have already committed their first jailable offence.
Causes of GBV:
- It is reported that men who commit domestic violence in intimate relationships are 3.5 times as likely to have experienced physical abuse in their homes and 4 times as likely to have witnessed violence between their parents than men who do not commit domestic violence
- Women who reported perpetrating violence were three times as likely to have been exposed to childhood physical abuse and to have witnessed violence between their parents or primary caregivers
- Childhood violence is self-perpetuating in the generations.
- Lack of economic independence among women is a key driver of GBV – It is hard for women who are economically dependent on their male partners to leave such abusive relationships.
- Alcohol abuse is linked with an increased risk of all forms of interpersonal violence, including GBV.
- The two main drivers of intimate Femicide are jealousy and possessiveness. These feelings are rooted in notions of hegemonic masculinity where men see women as their property, which they need to maintain power and control over.
Keep The Dream196 response
Our program is designed to socialise boys and girls together, to see each other as peers, to engender respect for each other. We have specific training programs which build resilience and assist young boys/men to honour and respect females including mothers, sisters, aunts and peers. Because our program is holistic and is anchored in morals and values we are able to overcome traumatic childhood experiences through positive role modelling of behaviours by older peers, the support of a small group, and the training we provide.