Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) must become a compulsory component of training in police academies, religious institutions, universities, and every sector that produces the country’s future leaders and front-line workers. This is the call from LifeLine and Rape Crisis Pietermaritzburg director, Sinikiwe Biyela, who warns that a deeply disturbing pattern is emerging: the very individuals entrusted with protecting women and children are increasingly among those accused of perpetrating GBV. Every day in South Africa, there are people experiencing GBV, and they don’t get much-needed support.
“What is even more disturbing is that some of the front-line workers have joined the perpetrators’ group,” said Biyela. She said emerging patterns show frontline workers — including teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, and social workers — among those committing acts of GBV. “This exacerbates the struggles faced by women and children, as it erodes trust and increases fear to reporting and accessing services,” said Biyela.
She called for increased funding to combat GBV and for tougher sanctions against offenders, particularly those in positions of authority. “We call for more resources to be allocated to the fight against GBV, especially since it has been declared a national disaster, and for harsher sentences for front-line workers who are perpetrators of GBVF.” Biyela said survivors may trust these individuals, rely on them, or fear challenging them. This power imbalance creates opportunities for exploitation.
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“In many cases, victims don’t realise they are being manipulated or harmed until it has already happened. Many of the front-line workers face constant pressure, long hours, and repeated exposure to violence.
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