South African women are at high risk of gun-related domestic violence
Guns are the leading weapon used to murder women in South Africa. Many blame this on criminals, but a national study found that more women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends (called intimate femicide) than by strangers.
New research shows the hidden danger of guns in the home
Our new study on gun use in domestic violence reveals two alarming patterns:
- Guns don’t need to be fired to be deadly. They are also used to threaten, intimidate and coerce family members into submission.
- It’s not just intimate partners at risk. All family members—especially women and girls—face the threat of gun-related abuse.
You have the right to have a gun removed
The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 (amended in 2021) requires courts to order the removal of firearms in domestic violence cases. This order is included in Domestic Violence Protection Orders issued by the court.
The Firearms Control Act of 2000 also allows a gun owner to be declared unfit to possess a firearm and have their gun removed.
If someone in your family who is abusive, depressed or suicidal owns or has access to a gun, you can ask the police or courts to remove it immediately.
You can apply for a Domestic Violence Protection Order using the application form below, or contact the police to declare a gun owner unfit.
See the resources below for important information to keep you and your family safe.
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Henrietta’s story: David never threatened Henrietta with a gun, but his pattern of abuse, which included controlling her movements, destroying her possessions and psychologically abusing her makes him unfit to own a gun. Do you know someone like David? Take urgent action.
Sasha Lee’s story: Kyle stalked and threatened her after she broke up with him. She feared for her life and applied for a protection order, “I do not know what he is capable of as he has a firearm”. A month later Kyle shot and killed Sasha Lee after the police failed to remove his gun. Do you know someone like Kyle? Take urgent action.
Take action – How to stop guns in domestic violence: When a gun is present in an abusive relationship or household you can apply to have it removed.
