Reviewing Intersections in Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa

This paper focuses on recent research examining women’s experiences of intimate partner violence in two historically racially demarcated but rapidly transforming sites in South Africa, specifically, Alexandra Township and Sandton. While there has been much focus on violence in Alexandra Township (a predominantly black area), with interventions from NGOs, the state, and civil society, there have been few efforts to examine violence in Sandton (a site that exhibits a high concentration of largely white and wealthier residents). Sandton is a sought-after area incorporating powerful corporations and affluent families. Within both these contexts, violence against women remains high, despite the implementation of celebrated legislation aimed at affirming women’s rights and addressing violence. The paper draws attention to gendered discourses and women’s revelations about how they navigate threats and insecurities and negotiate everyday violence. The persistence of IPV in both these sites implies that historical, intersectional, and holistic approaches are needed to understand why such violence is produced despite progressive legislation and strong anti-GBV and social justice initiatives in the country.