Gender-based violence (GBV) is a crisis that affects countless lives every day, including mine. As a survivor of assault, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of delayed justice and inadequate handling of such cases. The emotional and psychological toll of waiting months, even years, for a case resolution is unbearable, and many survivors are left feeling helpless and unheard.

In South Africa, our legal and forensic systems are overwhelmed with cases, resulting in court and forensic backlogs that drastically delay justice for GBV survivors. Statistics show that one in three women in South Africa have experienced some form of GBV, yet only a fraction of these cases receive due attention. The current system not only fails to protect survivors but also allows perpetrators to escape accountability, as delayed justice leads to weak prosecution and lower conviction rates.

We need immediate and tangible changes to better serve and support survivors. By:

• reducing court and forensic backlogs
• speeding up DNA testing and investigations
• and improving evidence processing

we can ensure that GBV cases are resolved swiftly and efficiently. Stronger prosecution and higher conviction rates will deter perpetrators and provide justice to those who have suffered.

It is also essential to ensure that survivors have timely access to the support and resources they need to begin healing. This involves providing mental health services, legal aid, and community support programs tailored to the needs of GBV survivors.

We can't afford to wait any longer. Lives depend on action being taken now. It is time for our judicial system and law enforcement agencies to prioritize GBV cases and ensure that every survivor receives the justice they deserve. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against gender-based violence.

Please sign this petition to demand faster and more effective handling of GBV cases in South Africa. Your support can help bring justice to countless survivors and prevent future violence.