* The Deafening Indifference to Gender-Based Violence
Over the past weekend, Botswana learnt of shocking statistics of sexual violence that sent shockwaves across the country.
In two weeks, 60 rapes, 19 murders, and 13 cases of defilement were reported. These alarming figures are contained in the World Population Review, which cites Botswana as having the highest incidences of rape in the world.
In the midst of the staggering numbers of sexual, gender based violence and defilement, the silence of the President, Minister of Justice and the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs has been palpable.
Notably, the Assistant Minister of State Maipelo Mophuting, shared allegiance towards eliminating GBV through leading a commemorative walk during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, while the Botswana Police Force deployed a modest GBV campaign.
However, a clear and robust plan of action stressing the urgency of eliminating GBV remains unclear.
The recent surge in GBV cases has severely impacted civil society and activists during the holiday season, as volunteer resources of legal support and counselling services were over-stretched to service people who have been abandoned by reason of lack of comprehensive public structures.
This led to a public outcry from activists to gather increased voluntary support from citizens. Over 100 citizens responded to the call to create a multi-faceted lobby group (GBV SOS), committing to
sharing expertise and resources to tackle GBV from the ground up.
The volunteers organised into distinct functions: legal support, advocacy, reform, rehabilitation and research and Lobbying.
By categorising efforts, the group can effectively mobilise resources, share expertise, and ensure that their initiatives target various aspects of the issue.
Urgent interventions towards a multi-layered approach in eradicating GBV
1. Strengthening Referral Mechanisms and Legal Frameworks
One crucial area of improvement lies in strengthening referral mechanisms and legal frameworks. Parliament must legislate enhancements to the existing Domestic Violence Act to protect survivors and address gaps in its enforcement.
Peace desks need to be in daily operation and provide consistent and reliable support to GBV survivors.
Judiciary and legal personnel need comprehensive training and education on GBV response measures, and the introduction of comprehensive whistle-blower legislation to safeguard victims who report abuse, coupled with strong penalties for institutions that fail to uphold these protections is necessary.
Fast-tracking GBV cases can ensure that victims receive swift justice, which is essential in addressing their urgent needs and restoring a sense of security.
2. Media engagement to mitigate harmful social norms
The media holds immense power in shaping public perceptions on violence and societal norms. There is growing concern that sensationalised reporting may inspire copycat crimes, contributing to a cycle of violence.
To counteract these negative outcomes, it is crucial to prioritise capacity-building initiatives for media professionals.
This includes avoiding sensationalism, respecting survivor anonymity, and presenting GBV within the broader context of systemic issues such as socio-economic inequalities through evidence-based research.
When the media highlights these root causes, it fosters a deeper understanding of GBV and encourages action at both individual and institutional levels.
3. Enhancing Police Capacity
As the primary responders to incidents of violence, police must be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage GBV cases proficiently.
This training is essential to ensure that victims receive the appropriate support, and help restore and build public trust.
Investment in Women's Shelters and Support Systems
Creating safe spaces for survivors is essential. Investment in women's shelters and safe houses provides immediate refuge and support for victims fleeing abusive situations.
These resources are crucial in helping survivors navigate the complexities of healing, recovery, and legal processes while ensuring their safety.
Addressing harmful social norms through Cultural and Religious leadership
Leadership, including community gatekeepers such as Dikgosi and faith leaders, must champion efforts to transform harmful cultural norms that contribute to GBV.
By actively engaging in sensitisation campaigns, these influential figures can help reshape community attitudes and empower individuals to stand up against violence. Socio-Economic Factors
Linking GBV and Vulnerability
The intersection of socio-economic issues and GBV cannot be overlooked. GBV often perpetuates cycles of poverty, with vulnerable individuals, particularly women, facing increased risks of violence in financially-insecure conditions.
Implementing policies that establish a minimum or living wage can create pathways to economic empowerment and resilience, reducing the prevalence of GBV.
4. Strengthening rehabilitation and reform efforts for perpetrators
The interpersonal nature of the violence suggests societal fragmentation, particularly where the perpetrator is known to the victim and where there are fatal or protracted consequences of abuse.
Often, these cycles are repeated in the family unit, and in communities at large. Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of interpersonal violence and abuse, there are important differences between male violence against women and female violence against men.
Women experience higher rates of repeat victimisation and are much more likely to be killed than male victims of domestic abuse.
As such, addressing the treatment of GBV offenders is fundamental to breaking the cycle of violence and promoting rehabilitation.
Key objectives in this area should include identifying existing gaps within the current treatment frameworks, implementation of perpetrator programmes nationwide and monitoring perpetrator behaviours.
Proposing recommendations for future action that align with international standards and guidelines will be crucial in developing effective strategies to manage and rehabilitate offenders.
5. Digitalisation of systems
Botswana birth, death & immigration, legislative and law enforcement institutions need to invest in digitalising their reporting and documenting systems to create a comprehensive database to public criminal records, cases and health history (accessed privately).
This can help track offenders, prevent repeat offences and track accountability within the system of justice.
The call for action against GBV is not just a demand for political accountability; it is an appeal for humanity and dignity that should resonate throughout the nation’s leadership.
• Lebogang Diswai is a community activist from the GBV SOS lobby group (Botswana)
In two weeks, 60 rapes, 19 murders, and 13 cases of defilement were reported. These alarming figures are contained in the World Population Review, which cites Botswana as having the highest incidences of rape in the world.
In the midst of the staggering numbers of sexual, gender based violence and defilement, the silence of the President, Minister of Justice and the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs has been palpable.
Notably, the Assistant Minister of State Maipelo Mophuting, shared allegiance towards eliminating GBV through leading a commemorative walk during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, while the Botswana Police Force deployed a modest GBV campaign.
However, a clear and robust plan of action stressing the urgency of eliminating GBV remains unclear.
The recent surge in GBV cases has severely impacted civil society and activists during the holiday season, as volunteer resources of legal support and counselling services were over-stretched to service people who have been abandoned by reason of lack of comprehensive public structures.
This led to a public outcry from activists to gather increased voluntary support from citizens. Over 100 citizens responded to the call to create a multi-faceted lobby group (GBV SOS), committing to
sharing expertise and resources to tackle GBV from the ground up.
The volunteers organised into distinct functions: legal support, advocacy, reform, rehabilitation and research and Lobbying.
By categorising efforts, the group can effectively mobilise resources, share expertise, and ensure that their initiatives target various aspects of the issue.
Urgent interventions towards a multi-layered approach in eradicating GBV
1. Strengthening Referral Mechanisms and Legal Frameworks
One crucial area of improvement lies in strengthening referral mechanisms and legal frameworks. Parliament must legislate enhancements to the existing Domestic Violence Act to protect survivors and address gaps in its enforcement.
Peace desks need to be in daily operation and provide consistent and reliable support to GBV survivors.
Judiciary and legal personnel need comprehensive training and education on GBV response measures, and the introduction of comprehensive whistle-blower legislation to safeguard victims who report abuse, coupled with strong penalties for institutions that fail to uphold these protections is necessary.
Fast-tracking GBV cases can ensure that victims receive swift justice, which is essential in addressing their urgent needs and restoring a sense of security.
2. Media engagement to mitigate harmful social norms
The media holds immense power in shaping public perceptions on violence and societal norms. There is growing concern that sensationalised reporting may inspire copycat crimes, contributing to a cycle of violence.
To counteract these negative outcomes, it is crucial to prioritise capacity-building initiatives for media professionals.
This includes avoiding sensationalism, respecting survivor anonymity, and presenting GBV within the broader context of systemic issues such as socio-economic inequalities through evidence-based research.
When the media highlights these root causes, it fosters a deeper understanding of GBV and encourages action at both individual and institutional levels.
3. Enhancing Police Capacity
As the primary responders to incidents of violence, police must be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage GBV cases proficiently.
This training is essential to ensure that victims receive the appropriate support, and help restore and build public trust.
Investment in Women's Shelters and Support Systems
Creating safe spaces for survivors is essential. Investment in women's shelters and safe houses provides immediate refuge and support for victims fleeing abusive situations.
These resources are crucial in helping survivors navigate the complexities of healing, recovery, and legal processes while ensuring their safety.
Addressing harmful social norms through Cultural and Religious leadership
Leadership, including community gatekeepers such as Dikgosi and faith leaders, must champion efforts to transform harmful cultural norms that contribute to GBV.
By actively engaging in sensitisation campaigns, these influential figures can help reshape community attitudes and empower individuals to stand up against violence. Socio-Economic Factors
Linking GBV and Vulnerability
The intersection of socio-economic issues and GBV cannot be overlooked. GBV often perpetuates cycles of poverty, with vulnerable individuals, particularly women, facing increased risks of violence in financially-insecure conditions.
Implementing policies that establish a minimum or living wage can create pathways to economic empowerment and resilience, reducing the prevalence of GBV.
4. Strengthening rehabilitation and reform efforts for perpetrators
The interpersonal nature of the violence suggests societal fragmentation, particularly where the perpetrator is known to the victim and where there are fatal or protracted consequences of abuse.
Often, these cycles are repeated in the family unit, and in communities at large. Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of interpersonal violence and abuse, there are important differences between male violence against women and female violence against men.
Women experience higher rates of repeat victimisation and are much more likely to be killed than male victims of domestic abuse.
As such, addressing the treatment of GBV offenders is fundamental to breaking the cycle of violence and promoting rehabilitation.
Key objectives in this area should include identifying existing gaps within the current treatment frameworks, implementation of perpetrator programmes nationwide and monitoring perpetrator behaviours.
Proposing recommendations for future action that align with international standards and guidelines will be crucial in developing effective strategies to manage and rehabilitate offenders.
5. Digitalisation of systems
Botswana birth, death & immigration, legislative and law enforcement institutions need to invest in digitalising their reporting and documenting systems to create a comprehensive database to public criminal records, cases and health history (accessed privately).
This can help track offenders, prevent repeat offences and track accountability within the system of justice.
The call for action against GBV is not just a demand for political accountability; it is an appeal for humanity and dignity that should resonate throughout the nation’s leadership.
• Lebogang Diswai is a community activist from the GBV SOS lobby group (Botswana)
