Gender-Based Violence Reporting and Survivor Support Systems: An Assessment of Police Response Efficiency in Urban South Africa

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 33–40

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000105

Research Article

Title: Gender-Based Violence Reporting and Survivor Support Systems: An Assessment of Police Response Efficiency in Urban South Africa

Names of Authors: Thandiwe Ndlovu¹, Musu Thompson²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; ²Liberian Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Monrovia, Liberia

Abstract: South Africa maintains some of the highest recorded rates of gender-based violence (GBV) globally, yet institutional response failures at the primary policing interface frequently exacerbate survivor trauma. This study evaluates the operational efficiency, attitudinal preparedness, and resource adequacy of police stations across urban townships in KwaZulu-Natal regarding GBV case management. Data collection combined direct service-point audits across 20 police stations with secondary analysis of n = 1,250 victim case logs and semi-structured interviews with 30 victim support officers. The findings reveal pervasive secondary victimization: 52% of survivors reported experiencing unsympathetic or hostile treatment from frontline desk officers. Operational delays were severe, with an average response time of 3.4 ± 1.1 hours for domestic violence distress calls, far exceeding statutory guidelines. Furthermore, functional rape-kits and private trauma counseling rooms were completely absent in 40% of audited facilities (chi-square = 18.41, p = 0.0002). The research advocates for institutional accountability mechanisms, mandatory trauma-informed training for all law enforcement personnel, and the immediate scale-up of dedicated, well-resourced diversion desks.

Keywords: Gender-based violence, law enforcement, secondary victimization, institutional response, South Africa

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 05 February 2026; Revised: 10 May 2026; Accepted: 22 May 2026; Published: 01 June 2026

Citation: Ndlovu, T., & Thompson, M. (2026). Gender-Based Violence Reporting and Survivor Support Systems: An Assessment of Police Response Efficiency in Urban South Africa. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(6), 33–40.

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