A third of SA women abused

9.8% of women have encountered sexual violence.

- Thando Nondywana

One in three women aged 18 years and older have experienced sexual and physical abuse in their lifetime, according to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

The findings of the first South African national gender-based violence (GBV) study, which was done in 2022, was released and presented to Women and People with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga yesterday.

In addition, 9.8% of women have encountered sexual violence in their lifetime.

The study revealed that 35.5% of women 18 and older have experienced physical and sexual violence. This amounts to 7,847,438 women.

The study compiled data over the past 12 months of physical and sexual violence of the participants.

It found that recent physical violence was higher among women aged 18-24 and 25-39 compared to those aged 50 and older. Sexual violence was more common in women aged 25-29 and 35-39.

Combined violence was higher among black women who are cohabiting, but are not married, and who are urban residents.

Dr Nompumelelo Zungu, HSRC deputy executive director, said the findings reveal the widespread and severe prevalence of GBV in South Africa.

"The figures that we have once again confirm that violence starts early and continues throughout their life cycle," she noted.

Combined physical and sexual violence was highest for women aged 39-49.