Gauteng Government’s GBV Response Plan for 2025

Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Gauteng

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to be a critical social challenge in Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous and economically vital province. In 2025, the Gauteng Government is intensifying its efforts through a structured, multi-sectoral response plan. This plan is aligned with the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF). It aims to provide comprehensive support for survivors and to reduce the incidence of GBV through prevention, awareness, and law enforcement.

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The National Strategic Framework Guiding Gauteng

The Gauteng Government aligns its initiatives with South Africa’s NSP on GBVF (2020–2030), a ten-year national framework approved in 2019 to combat all forms of violence against women, children, and vulnerable groups. Developed through extensive consultations with government, civil society, and international partners, the NSP rests on six foundational pillars, including prevention, response, and accountability.

In 2025, the country is conducting a mid-term review of the NSP to assess progress and reinforce commitment to this vital cause. Gauteng’s plan reflects these priorities with targeted provincial actions. These actions address the specific challenges faced in the urban and rural communities within the province.

Pillars of Gauteng’s Gender-Based Violence Response Plan

Gauteng’s GBV Response Plan focuses on strengthening the following key areas:

1. Urgent Response and Survivor Support

The province prioritizes swift and compassionate responses to GBV survivors. Services include access to Victim-Friendly Rooms (VFRs) and Gender Desks in police stations. Specialized social worker support, and psychological assistance are also provided. Gauteng allocates cases from the National GBV Command Centre within 24 hours. Social workers engage survivors within seven days to provide tailored interventions.

2. Expanding Access to Justice

Efforts to improve the criminal justice response include working with police, prosecutors, and courts. This ensures survivors receive timely and fair treatment. Moreover, Gauteng supports the establishment and effective functioning of Thuthuzela Care Centres. These centers offer one-stop services for medical care, trauma counselling, and legal assistance.

3. Prevention and Social Norm Change

The province implements extensive awareness campaigns aimed at transforming harmful social norms and attitudes that fuel GBV. Education programmes take place in schools, communities, and workplaces to promote gender equality and respect.

4. Strengthening Institutional Systems

Gauteng enhances coordination among government departments, civil society, and the private sector to build accountability and improve service delivery. This includes regular oversight visits and assessments of community projects to boost sustainability and effectiveness.

5. Economic Empowerment

Recognizing poverty as a key risk factor for GBV, Gauteng’s plan includes initiatives to increase economic opportunities. These are for women and vulnerable groups, promoting financial independence and reducing the power imbalances that contribute to violence.

6. Data and Research

To monitor progress and inform policy, Gauteng prioritizes collecting and analyzing detailed data on GBV cases and outcomes. This contributes to the national database and supports evidence-based interventions.

Key Facilities and Programs in Gauteng

The Gauteng GBV Command Centre, a provincial hub linked to the national command centre, coordinates emergency responses. It manages case referrals efficiently. The recent upgrades to the command centre ensure it is equipped to handle the high volume of GBV cases received daily.

Victim support services have been expanded. More Victim-Friendly Rooms and Gender Desks have been established across police stations. This fosters safe spaces for survivors to report abuse and access help.

Partnerships and Community Involvement

The Gauteng Government collaborates with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), faith-based organisations (FBOs), and community groups. This is to extend the reach and impact of interventions. Such partnerships support outreach, education, and survivor empowerment programmes.

Community mobilisation is critical to Gauteng’s approach. This encourages local leaders and citizens to challenge GBV-related stigma and promote peaceful, respectful relationships.

Challenges and Areas of Focus

Despite ongoing efforts, Gauteng faces challenges including high rates of GBV, insufficient resources in some areas, and the need for stronger enforcement of laws. The government is actively working to increase budget allocations, enhance training for law enforcement, and improve victim services.

Attention is also focused on addressing GBV among marginalized groups. These include LGBTQI+ communities, children, and persons with disabilities. The focus is on ensuring an inclusive response.

What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

Gauteng’s 2025 GBV Response Plan aims to:

• Achieve faster and more coordinated service delivery for survivors
• Scale up prevention initiatives targeting youth and high-risk communities
• Build stronger monitoring mechanisms and transparency in reporting
• Foster innovative partnerships with private sector and civil society
• Strengthen economic support programmes for survivors and vulnerable women

These efforts align with the broader national commitment to eradicate gender-based violence by 2030.

How Residents Can Access Support

Gauteng residents affected by GBV can access immediate help through the GBV Command Centre. This can be reached via the toll-free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV), available 24/7. Social workers provide crisis counselling, case management, and referrals for ongoing support.

Additional resources include government shelters, counselling centres, and legal aid services. These are facilitated through the Department of Social Development and partner organisations.

Explore the latest crime statistics to understand where gender-based violence is most prevalent and what interventions are underway. Gauteng’s GBV Hotspots: Crime Stats Reveal Urgent Action Needed. Click here to learn more.

A Unified Front Against GBV in Gauteng

The Gauteng Government’s Gender-Based Violence Response Plan for 2025 represents a comprehensive, multi-faceted effort to confront and reduce GBV in the province. By combining urgent survivor care, justice reform, prevention strategies, and community empowerment, Gauteng aims to create safer, more equitable spaces for all.

Ongoing collaboration across sectors, reinforced by data-driven policies and compassionate service delivery, is key to making South Africa’s vision of a GBV-free society a reality.