{"id":194955,"date":"2026-08-25T10:45:57","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reginsights.regenesys.net\/?p=194955"},"modified":"2026-08-25T10:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:46:00","slug":"beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Physical Violence: Understanding Gender-Based Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When we speak about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), physical violence is often the first thing that comes to mind. Yet abuse does not always leave visible injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GBV refers to harmful acts directed towards someone because of their gender or socially constructed gender roles. Although women and girls are disproportionately affected, GBV can also affect men, boys and people of diverse gender identities. Intimate partner violence is one form of GBV occurring within current or former intimate relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, IPV is not limited to physical violence. It can include psychological and emotional abuse, sexual violence, economic abuse, intimidation, isolation, digital abuse and coercive control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a8da720b1ac0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a8da720b1ac0\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse\/#Abuse_Is_About_Power_and_Control\" >Abuse Is About Power and Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse\/#When_Abuse_Changes_the_Way_a_Person_Sees_Themselves\" >When Abuse Changes the Way a Person Sees Themselves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/beyond-physical-violence-south-africa-beyond-physical-abuse\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abuse_Is_About_Power_and_Control\"><\/span>Abuse Is About Power and Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important principles in understanding abusive relationships is that abuse is not simply about anger. At its core, abuse is often about power and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is closely connected to <strong>coercive control<\/strong>, an ongoing pattern of behaviours designed to dominate another person&#8217;s life. Survivors may find themselves constantly anticipating the perpetrator&#8217;s reactions and changing their behaviour to avoid conflict or punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Control can take many forms, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gaslighting:<\/strong> A form of psychological manipulation that may cause survivors to question their memories, perceptions and judgement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic abuse:<\/strong> This can restrict access to money or employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Isolation:<\/strong> This can gradually disconnect someone from family, friends and other sources of support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital abuse:<\/strong> Technology can be used for surveillance and intimidation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Abuse_Changes_the_Way_a_Person_Sees_Themselves\"><\/span>When Abuse Changes the Way a Person Sees Themselves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prolonged abuse can have significant psychological consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Survivors may begin living in a persistent state of fear and hypervigilance. Over time, chronic exposure to coercive control can affect emotional functioning, cognition, decision-making and a person&#8217;s sense of identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/reginsights.regenesys.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-194988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500.webp 850w, https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500-300x176.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500-80x47.webp 80w, https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500-768x452.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/therapy_body_image_850x500-150x88.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A person who has repeatedly had their perceptions questioned may begin doubting their own judgement. Decisions become harder. Confusion and self-blame may increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, the question <strong>\u201cWhat do I want?\u201d<\/strong> may be replaced by <strong>\u201cWhat will keep them calm?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The survivor&#8217;s needs, preferences and behaviours can become organised around managing threat and avoiding harm. What may appear to outsiders as passivity can therefore be an adaptation to living within an unpredictable and controlling environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding this is important because GBV is not only a criminal justice concern. Its effects extend to mental and physical health, families, workplaces and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognising abuse requires us to look beyond physical injuries and understand the less visible ways in which power, control and prolonged psychological abuse can affect a person&#8217;s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are passionate about supporting individuals, families and communities facing social and psychosocial challenges, the <strong>Social Counselling Worker qualification<\/strong> provides an opportunity to develop practical skills for providing supportive counselling, psychoeducation and appropriate referral within the scope of the Social Counselling Worker role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sosa Barrios, M. F., Navarro-Soria, I., Saor\u00edn Mar\u00edn, B., Rosales-G\u00f3mez, M., &amp; Plasencia Pimentel, A. (2026). Attachment styles, emotional dependence, and intimate partner violence: A systematic review. <em>Social Sciences, 15<\/em>, Article 297.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abrahams, N., Martin, L., &amp; Vetten, L. (2004). An overview of gender-based violence in South Africa and South African responses. In S. Suffla &amp; A. van Niekerk (Eds.), <em>Crime, violence and injury prevention in South Africa: Developments and challenges<\/em> (pp. 40\u201364). Medical Research Council\u2013University of South Africa Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baldasare, A. (2012, June). <em>Gender-based violence: Focus on Africa.<\/em> Strategic Applications International and Servant Forge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Byrt, A., Cook, K., &amp; Burgin, R. (2025). Addressing economic abuse in intimate-partner violence interventions: A Bacchian analysis of responsibility. <em>Journal of Family Violence, 40<\/em>, 419\u2013433.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choudhury, A. A., Martland, N., &amp; Luzon, O. (2025). Women&#8217;s experiences of coercive control in intimate partner relationships: A qualitative systematic review. <em>Journal of Family Violence.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enaifoghe, A., &amp; Adekola, A. P. (2026). The health-related consequences of gender-based violence against women in South Africa. <em>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23<\/em>, Article 298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ghoshal, R., Douard, A.-C., Sikder, S., Roy, N., &amp; Saulnier, D. (2023). Risk and protective factors for IPV in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. <em>Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment &amp; Trauma, 32<\/em>(4), 505\u2013522.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hillis, S., Mercy, J., Amobi, A., &amp; Kress, H. (2016). Global prevalence of past-year violence against children: A systematic review and minimum estimates. <em>Pediatrics, 137<\/em>(3), e20154079.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hulley, J., Bailey, L., Kirkman, G., Gibbs, G. R., Gomersall, T., Latif, A., &amp; Jones, A. (2023). Intimate partner violence and barriers to help-seeking among Black, Asian, minority ethnic and immigrant women: A qualitative metasynthesis of global research. <em>Trauma, Violence, &amp; Abuse, 24<\/em>(2), 1001\u20131015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kumar, L. M., Stephen, J., George, R. J., &amp; Babu, L. (2022). He hit me; but it&#8217;s okay! Female submissiveness in marital abuse: A review in Indian context. <em>Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 11<\/em>(2), 447\u2013452.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mphatheni, M. R. (2024). The impact of gender-based violence on the South African economy: A literature review. <em>E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 5<\/em>(16), 2780\u20132788.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mukhtar, S. (2023). Domestic\/intimate partner violence, abuse, and trauma during COVID-19 lockdown: Gaslighting, non-consensual condom removal, grooming, coercive control, power dynamic, and sexual entitlement in emotional and psychological abuse. <em>Journal of Psychosexual Health, 5<\/em>(4), 198\u2013207.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarac, E., &amp; Odabas, D. (2025). Gender-based economic violence and the exploitation of women: A deep dive. <em>World Journal of Psychiatry, 15<\/em>(3), Article 103725.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we speak about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), physical violence is often the first thing that comes to mind. Yet abuse does not always leave visible injuries. GBV refers to harmful acts directed towards someone because of their gender or socially constructed gender roles. Although women and girls are disproportionately affected,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":194987,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"country":[4879],"class_list":{"0":"post-194955","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-a-z-topics","8":"country-south-africa"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Gender-Based Violence South Africa: Beyond Physical Abuse<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand gender-based violence in South Africa, including emotional abuse, coercive control, economic abuse and intimate partner violence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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