Pretoria – Concerned by the high number of women victimised by their partners, the government is urging victims of abuse to report abuse on 0800 428 428/ *120* 7867# or SMS 31531.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities says it is concerned about the “pervasive hidden ongoing crisis of domestic and intimate partner violence in South Africans”.
A 2024 report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) revealed that one in three women in the country has experienced physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
“Intimate domestic violence manifests in various forms, often intertwined and escalating over time,” the department said in a statement on Sunday, 27 July 2025.
“Recognising these different types of abuse is a critical step in identifying and addressing the problem, such as Physical Violence, Sexual Violence, Emotional and Psychological Abuse, and Economic or Financial Abuse.
“These are not just numbers; they represent the lived realities of millions of women who endure suffering behind closed doors.”
The department said the impact of intimate domestic violence extends far beyond physical injuries.
“Victims often experience a range of severe and long-lasting consequences,” the department said.
“The greatest achievements in women’s economic progress in recent decades are potentially being eroded by domestic violence.”
The department said intimate domestic violence was a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship.
“This violence is not limited to physical harm; it encompasses a range of coercive and controlling actions that can leave deep and lasting scars,” explains the department.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner.
“In South Africa, the figures are particularly grim,” the department said.
“Breaking the silence is the first step towards breaking the cycle of abuse.
“If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, reaching out can provide a lifeline to safety and support.”
Report abuse at 0800 428 428/ *120* 7867# or SMS 31531.
