South Africa is facing a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis of epidemic proportions. In the 2025/26 financial year alone, the South African Police Service recorded 50,511 GBVF cases, of which 36,217 were rapes. Critically, 19,775 reported cases did not result in arrests or referrals for prosecution. 

When the police cannot come in time or at all, and the courts do not prosecute, women are left with two options: be a victim or be prepared.