GBV is the act of physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm perpetuated on an individual based on their gender or sexuality. GBV includes violence from any person (known or unknown), sexual assault, rape and flashing.

GBV can occur both in the private and public sphere (at home, at university, at work, in public transportation, in the street, etc.).

GBV can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

GBV violence takes many forms and can be subtle, physical, emotional, verbal, coercive and psychological.

Sexual violence and harassment and coercive behaviour are acts of sexual violence that leave you exposed and pressured, tricked, threatened or forced into sexually exploitative situations. Examples include catcalling, forced or manipulated into having sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances or sexual requests.

Incidents can be reported to unfair@sun.ac.za or in person at the Equality Unit at Huis Simon Nkoli House, 39 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch. You can also click HERE to report an incident.

This includes incidents of sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and victimisation including sexual harassment, stalking, rape, and sexual coercion.

Reporting can be done anonymously if needed.

Once you lodge a complaint, an Equality Unit case officer is assigned to your complaint.

The case officer will contact you for a meeting and assists with completing the online form if needed. A preliminary assessment is completed at your first meeting, and thereafter information is gathered from witnesses or respondents. An advisor then provides recommendations to the Head of the Equality Unit. Your case officer will give you feedback on the next steps.

No, there is no time limit. However, we advise that the complainant reports as soon as they can.

Yes, the Equality Unit will advise you on the necessary support that can be provided. This could include counselling, assistance with lodging a complaint at the South African Police Service and other support services provided by the Stellenbosch Thuthuzela Care Centre, which is based at the Stellenbosch GBV centre in Idas Valley.

If you suspect someone is experiencing GBV, approach them in a private, safe and non-judgmental manner. Offer your support and listen to them. Encourage them to seek help from professionals at the Equality Unit.

Friends and family can support a GBV survivor by listening without judgment, offering emotional and practical support, respecting their decisions, and encouraging them to seek professional help. Providing a safe and understanding environment is crucial for their healing process. Also assure them of confidentiality.

You can become involved by educating yourself and others about GBV, and supporting activities arranged by various structures and departments at the University.

The Stellenbosch GBV Centre in Idas Valley collaborates with various partners, through its GBV Hub, to offer training and workshops on GBV-related issues. Located on the same premises, the INSPIRE (Initiative for Non-violence, Support, Prevention, Intervention, Research, and Education) Facility provides a dedicated space for training on anti-GBV, non-violence, and social change-oriented research. The INSPIRE Facility is managed by the SU Equality Unit. Click here to read more.

In addition, you can also support local organisations that work with survivors, volunteering your time and advocating for policy changes. Raising awareness through social media, events and community outreach can also make a significant impact in the fight against GBV.

The Equality Unit is guided by SU policies and codes of conduct. These are: Unfair Discrimination and Harassment Policy; SU Employment Equity Policy; SU Employment Equity Plan; and SU Student Disciplinary Code.