South Africa must enhance its investment in child sexual violence prevention at the community level, according to Sonke Gender Justice. The organization states current Department of Justice statistics show a worrying increase in statutory rape cases. During the initial three quarters of the 2025/26 financial year, 129 identified rape victims were under the age of 18. Department of Justice statistics for the same period also revealed 22 cases where children were perpetrators of statutory rape. Sonke Gender Justice noted, "the statistics from the Department of Justice are not just numbers; they are a direct indictment of a society that has failed to educate, protect, and support its children."
Escalating Crisis of Child Sexual Violence
Department of Justice statistics for the 2025/26 financial year indicate that children committed 890 rape cases. The National Child Protection Register documented 3,258 instances of sexual abuse against minors during the initial three quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. These figures highlight a significant challenge in safeguarding children. Statutory rape cases increased to 199 in the 2025/26 financial year, marking a rise from the 127 cases reported in the preceding financial year. This escalation in reported cases shows the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and preventive strategies across South Africa.
Root Causes and Societal Failures
Sonke Gender Justice asserts that Department of Justice statistics represent "a direct indictment of a society that has failed to educate, protect, and support its children." The organization observes that many children are raised in environments characterized by instability, poverty, substance misuse, and widespread violence. Sonke Gender Justice noted, "When children are constantly exposed to violence, they may begin to see aggression, control, and abuse as normal ways of dealing with conflict or relationships."
The organization advocates for full sexuality education (CSE), stating, "When children receive quality CSE, they are better positioned to protect themselves, make informed decisions, and challenge the harmful norms they encounter in their environments. The absence of CSE creates a dangerous vacuum that is frequently filled by pornography, peer pressure, and cultural narratives that normalise coercion and gender-based violence." Sonke Gender Justice emphasizes that long-term change requires communities to actively challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive models of masculinity, parenting, and accountability. "From Sonke’s experience through programmes such as One Man Can and MenEngage," the organization stated, "we have seen the importance of creating safe spaces where men, boys, parents, schools, faith leaders, and communities can openly discuss violence, parenting, gender norms, and child protection."
The Case for Full Sexuality Education
Sonke Gender Justice advocates for the widespread implementation of Full Sexuality Education (CSE) across all schools and community settings, describing it as a critical and non-negotiable investment. The organization warns that many children are growing up without safe spaces to talk openly about relationships, consent, emotions, and sexuality. Sonke Gender Justice defines CSE as a structured, age-appropriate framework designed to equip children and young people with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to understand consent, recognize abuse, navigate healthy relationships, and respect the bodily autonomy of others.
The organization stated, "When children receive quality CSE, they are better positioned to protect themselves, make informed decisions, and challenge the harmful norms they encounter in their environments. The absence of CSE creates a dangerous vacuum that is frequently filled by pornography, peer pressure, and cultural narratives that normalise coercion and gender-based violence."
Community-Level Prevention and Engagement
The problem is linked to violence in homes, harmful ideas about masculinity, lack of parental guidance, and exposure to harmful online content. Sonke Gender Justice states a collective effort from families, educational institutions, community groups, religious leaders, and the government is required to build safer spaces for children. Programmes like One Man Can, Brothers for Life, and MenEngage Africa demonstrate the importance of engaging men and boys as partners in preventing violence.
