A University of the Free State psychology lecturer has called for comprehensive institutional reforms to address gender violence affecting South African campuses and surrounding communities. Anele Siswana emphasized that educational institutions must move beyond policy statements to implement trauma-informed support systems, accessible reporting mechanisms, and accountability measures for perpetrators, regardless of their institutional status.
National research indicates approximately 33 percent of South African women have experienced physical violence, with up to 25 percent of female university students reporting sexual assault annually. Siswana argued that effective responses require intersectional approaches combining psychological care, community engagement, and culturally grounded healing practices, particularly for survivors in rural areas where support services remain scarce and stigma prevents reporting.
The clinical psychologist framed protests against gender violence as acts of collective healing rather than merely resistance, urging universities to integrate survivor support into teaching practices and campus culture while extending interventions to marginalized communities where abuse often remains hidden.
National research indicates approximately 33 percent of South African women have experienced physical violence, with up to 25 percent of female university students reporting sexual assault annually. Siswana argued that effective responses require intersectional approaches combining psychological care, community engagement, and culturally grounded healing practices, particularly for survivors in rural areas where support services remain scarce and stigma prevents reporting.
The clinical psychologist framed protests against gender violence as acts of collective healing rather than merely resistance, urging universities to integrate survivor support into teaching practices and campus culture while extending interventions to marginalized communities where abuse often remains hidden.
