The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) are advocating for alcohol regulation after their study revealed that alcohol is a major gender-based (GBV) violence contributor.
According to the findings by SAAPA and SAMRC:
- Men with alcohol problems have triple the risk of perpetrating gendered interpersonal violence.
- Women whose partners were regularly intoxicated were almost six times more likely to experience interpersonal violence (IPV) or GBV.
The institutions urged the government to address the structural factors driving GBV, such as the operating hours of alcohol outlets, which they believe extend beyond regular hours.
They also emphasised the need for the government to create a comprehensive national alcohol policy that revisits legislation at the local, provincial, and national levels.
Bloemfontein Courant spoke to the victim assistant officer at the Thuthuzela Care Centre, Princess Maarman, who reiterated the institution’s sentiments.
Maarman highlighted that alcohol is a key enabler of gender-based violence, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
According to Maarman, “Most cases come from families with poor living conditions, poverty is rife, yet alcohol consumption is the priority. Every cent they get go to alcohol to escape the harsh reality of their circumstances.”
Additionally, she said alcohol regulation is something the government should consider as it affects more than gender-based violence.
“There should be a limit for everyone, especially for people living beneath the threshold and those with psychological, sociological, and mental health issues,” Maarman concluded.
Clement Matroos
