Three Chapter 9 institutions have launched a joint national inquiry into how South Africa’s criminal justice system responds to gender-based violence and femicide.
The Commission for Gender Equality, South African Human Rights Commission and CRL Rights Commission will examine the obstacles survivors face when seeking protection, support and justice.
The phased inquiry will focus first on survivors’ lived experiences and how authorities handle cases before they reach trial.
The commissions said survivors continue to experience delayed reporting processes, inconsistent support and poor coordination between institutions.
Weaknesses in pre-trial procedures and difficulties accessing justice services will also come under scrutiny.
Survivor experiences placed at the centre
The inquiry will examine what happens when survivors report abuse to authorities.
This includes whether survivors are believed, protected and properly guided through the system. It will also assess access to protection orders, trauma-informed care and psychosocial support.
Front-line services will form part of the investigation. These include Thuthuzela Care Centres, hospitals, shelters and victim-support organisations.
The inquiry will consider the experiences of children, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, migrants and other vulnerable groups.
It will also look at cases where relatives must speak on behalf of survivors who cannot provide evidence themselves.
Police investigations under scrutiny
Police procedures will be examined from the moment a case is reported.
The inquiry will assess delays, forensic evidence handling and the way investigators communicate with survivors as cases progress.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said South Africa needs a coordinated, survivor-centred and accountable response involving police, prosecutors, courts, healthcare workers, social services and community structures.
Baloyi said barriers faced by survivors and inconsistent support services require urgent examination and systemic intervention.
The commissions are seeking evidence-based submissions to help identify widespread failures and develop practical recommendations.
Members of the public may submit personal experiences, case timelines, recurring problems seen at police stations or clinics and proposals that could improve the justice system’s response to GBV.
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