Dr Tenielle Raman

Key GBV Statistics in South Africa
1 in 3 women in South Africa have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Femicide and Murder Rates
Between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered (HSRC)

From April 2023 – March 2024, 5,578 women were killed.

The rate of femicide is alarming: reports suggest South Africa's female interpersonal violence death rate is several times above the global average.

Sexual Violence
The HSRC national study found that 9.9% of women have experienced s*xual violence in their lifetime – that’s approximately 2.15 million women.

In the 2023–2024 reporting year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 42,569 r**e cases. (amnesty.org.za)

Importantly, Amnesty International notes that a large proportion of s*xual violence likely goes unreported. (amnesty.org.za)

Assault / Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
Between July and September 2024, according to the HSRC, 14,366 women experienced assaults resulting in grievous bodily harm. (HSRC)

Targeting by Intimate Partners
Over a four-year period (April 2020 to March 2024), 198,176 women were targeted in domestic violence incidents by intimate partners (TimesLIVE)

The breakdown of perpetrators is especially telling: in that timeframe, 114,722 women were targeted by boyfriends; tens of thousands more by ex-partners, husbands, or other intimate relations. (TimesLIVE)

Vulnerable Populations
Women with disabilities are at higher risk. The HSRC report found that 29.3% women with disabilities have experienced lifetime physical abuse, versus 21.7% for women without disabilities. (HSRC)

Sexual violence among women with disabilities is also higher: 14.6% (disability) vs. 7.2% (no disability). (HSRC)

Psychological, economic, and controlling behaviors are also more prevalent among women with disabilities. (HSRC)

These statistics emphasize how widespread GBV is in South Africa. It’s not a marginal issue—it affects millions of women, many of whom will require medical and psychosocial support.

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It usually occurs between ages 45–55, but symptoms can start years earlier.

🩸 1️⃣ Perimenopause:
The transition phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels (especially estrogen) start fluctuating.
Common symptoms: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and weight changes.

🌙 2️⃣ Menopause:
Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen production drops significantly.
Symptoms: hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, decreased libido, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.

🌿 3️⃣ Postmenopause:
The years after menopause. While symptoms may ease, lower estrogen levels can increase risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urogenital changes.
Focus: bone health, heart health, and regular screening.

💬 Tip: Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and speaking to your doctor about hormonal or non-hormonal therapies can make this transition smoother.