CHANGE Evidence Brief

Violence against women is a leading cause of illness and death and occurs in the lives of one third of women globally. Prevalence of violence against women in South Africa is alarmingly high, with 32% of men reporting violence towards partners, and 28% having ever raped. We know that certain beliefs about manhood contribute to men’s use of violence. Research suggests that men who equate manhood with toughness, aggression, power over women, heavy alcohol, and many sexual partners are more likely to use violence.