DECEMBER GBV INCREASES 52% TO 170 CASES

MBABANE – In December alone, 170 cases of abuse were reported to SWAGAA, underscoring the magnitude of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eswatini.
With a population of just over 1.3 million, Eswatini has been grappling with GBV such that per week, a life is lost through the act and as such, 80 minors beneath the age of 11 being raped in 11 months. This is a 52.35 per cent increase in the abuse recorded in the past month when compared to December 2023 where 89 cases were recorded by Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA).A report issued by SWAGAA, provided a critical overview of these cases, highlighting key trends and patterns that can inform prevention and intervention strategies.

SWAGAA Executive Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini said these statistics do not fully reflect the magnitude of the challenge, as they only represent cases reported to SWAGAA.
The report, which analysed data collected through SWAGAA’s helpline and offices, provides a critical overview of the extent and nature of GBV in the country. “These statistics, while concerning, likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases. Many survivors remain silent due to fear, stigma, and lack of access to support services,” Dlamini said. Emotional abuse emerged as the most prevalent form, accounting for 50 per cent of cases reported through the helpline. Physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse followed, underscoring the multifaceted nature of GBV.

Survivors

The data revealed a significant gender disparity, with 73 per cent of reported cases involving female survivors. This highlights the disproportionate impact of GBV on women and girls in Eswatini. Furthermore, the report emphasised the vulnerability of children and adolescents, with 44 per cent of survivors being minors (0-17 years old). Sexual abuse constituted a significant proportion of cases among this age group. The home environment emerged as the primary location for abuse incidents, highlighting the urgent need to address domestic violence. A significant number of cases involved intimate partners, underscoring the prevalence of intimate partner violence. The report also analysed the regional distribution of GBV cases, with the Manzini region reporting the highest incidence. This emphasises the need for region-specific interventions to address the unique challenges faced by each region.
SWAGAA received the most referrals for GBV cases from other service providers, including government departments and other NGOs. The report noted that February and January were the peak months for reported cases, while May, July, and October saw consistent levels of reporting.

Help line

However, it also acknowledged that service disruptions at MTN, which resulted in only one helpline line being operational instead of six, may have impacted the number of reported cases. This analysis emphasises the importance of addressing these service disruptions to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection. The report concluded by emphasising the urgent need for strengthened child protection measures, the promotion of gender equality and the challenging of harmful gender norms to prevent and address GBV in Eswatini.

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