Women's Day: Action Society calls for violence against women to be declared a national disaster

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Action Society calls for urgent action on violence against women in South Africa
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Action Society released a statement on Women's Day, asserting that the widespread violence against South African women should be considered an act of terror, rather than merely crime.
Citing the latest SAPS Crime Statistics, the rights group warned that behind the speeches and tributes, millions of South African women are not celebrating - they are surviving.
The press release noted that, in the SAPS Crime Statistics covering 1 October to 31 December 2024, violence against women remains alarmingly high.
961 women murdered - about 11 per day, 320 per month, 11,803 women raped - about 131 per day, 3,934 per month, 16,023 women assaulted with grievous bodily harm, about 174 per day and 5,341 per month.
Action Society strongly felt that these figures only reflect reported cases.
'Thousands more remain hidden in silence, fear, or distrust of a system that too often fails them,' read the statement.
By comparison, the group said that terrorism kills around 1,667 people per month globally.
'South African women alone face over 9,500 violent attacks every month, yet there is no war room, no emergency deployment, and no national mobilisation,' it contended.
The release also highlighted gaps in the country's legal framework and support structures.
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It stated that while South Africa does have sexual offences courts, there are just over 100 for the entire country - far below what is needed, adding that many are under-resourced, inconsistently staffed, or not fully operational, with rural and high-crime areas often lacking access entirely.
Action Society is calling for a package of urgent actions, including that Violence against women be declared a national disaster
In addition, it is calling for urgent investment in public-private partnerships to strengthen investigative and forensic capacity, the expansion of courts in every district focusing on permanent legislation of sexual offences, better-trained prosecutors and magistrates to prioritise GBV cases, and enforcement of mandatory minimum sentences and closure of legal loopholes.
'This Women's Day, we cannot simply honour women with words,' said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
'We must defend their right to safety and dignity with decisive action. Silence protects the predator, not the victim.'
Du Preez reiterated the group's stance, stating that the statistics demand more than rhetoric and commemorations.
'They require concrete, systemic reforms to protect women and deter those threatening them," she said.
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