Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of South Africa’s most urgent social and criminal challenges. While South Africa has frameworks to combat GBV, enforcement remains inconsistent. Law-enforcement agencies face heavier workloads in December and January, which results in delayed responses and limited investigative capacity while alcohol abuse, social gatherings, and financial stress compound these pressures. Victims also encounter barriers to reporting, as shelters and counselling centres often operate with reduced staff. In 2023, police statistics recorded 10 516 rapes and 881 murders of women in only three months. This mirrors previous years, confirming the festive period as a time of heightened risk.

A recent study shows that festive holidays, though associated with joy and family gatherings, are also marked by a sharp rise in GBV incidents. The study aimed to explore how the South African Police Service (SAPS) manages GBV crimes during festive periods and to identify the challenges that hinder effective policing. It also examined the social and structural factors behind seasonal spikes in violence and proposed measures to strengthen police response and community safety.

A qualitative inductive textual-content analysis was used. The researcher reviewed literature published between 2012 and 2023, analysing government gazettes, police reports, academic studies, and official policy documents. Through content and contextual analysis, the study identified themes relating to policing approaches; the role of alcohol and social behaviour; and the effectiveness of GBV strategies during festive seasons.

The data confirm a consistent rise in GBV during holidays, driven by increased social activity, alcohol consumption, and financial strain. In 2023, the TEARS Foundation received over 43 000 calls from victims during December alone. Some of aggravating factors revealed by the data include: