South Africa
South Africa has some of the most developed domestic violence legislation on the continent and one of its most persistent gaps between law and enforcement.
About 21%
of ever-partnered women aged 18 and over report having experienced physical violence by a partner
South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016Highest regional burden
the WHO African Region records among the highest lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence of any region measured
WHO, Violence against women prevalence estimates 2018Reporting in South Africa
How reporting actually works here
Protection orders are available under the Domestic Violence Act through any magistrate's court, at no cost, and can be applied for outside court hours in urgent cases.
Helplines
GBV Command Centre
0800 428 42824 hours, national, free. Dial *120*7867# from a cellphone for a call back.
Childline South Africa
116Free, 24 hours, for children and concerned adults.
Helpline numbers change. Verify a number locally before you rely on it, and if a line does not answer, go to the nearest police gender desk, hospital or recognised women's organisation.