Gender-based violence (GBV), poverty, and crime are the result of the enduring violence faced by the citizens of this country. These socio-economic factors, which can have long-lasting consequences on a person’s mental health, have been identified as an emergency in the South African context by the SA Federation for Mental Health [SAFMH].
Whilst SAFMH supports the theme selected by the World Federation for Mental Health, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, this World Mental Health Day [WMHD], SAFMH has localised the theme and will focus on “Addressing violence as a significant challenge to mental health in South Africa”.
Commemorated annually on 10 October, WMHD is an opportunity for governments, civil society, advocates, and communities to call for mental health to be prioritised for all and to address the barriers that prevent people from seeking support.”- Michel’le Donnelly, SAFMH Communications & Awareness Lead
South Africa is ranked among the 10 most violent countries in the world, with one of the highest murder rates globally. There is no single cause for violence in South Africa. Instead, many different factors work together in different situations. In 2019, the Centre for the Study of Violent and Reconciliation identified a number of main drivers of violence, including:
- Social and economic inequality
- Gender inequality and traditional ideas of masculinity
- A lack of strong, supportive communities
- Easy access to alcohol and guns
These factors frequently overlap and intersect in different ways, often creating environments where the likelihood of violence is increased.
GBV, Poverty, Violent Crime, and Mental Health
GBV, poverty, and violent crime all impact significantly on mental health, and therefore, all people affected should have equitable access to quality mental health services.
Several studies show that women and children who experienced GBV (including rape) are at higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and attempts.
Poverty is both a driver of mental health problems and a result thereof. The ongoing struggle to meet basic needs, such as housing, daily expenses, and food, can lead to chronic stress and fatigue. Research has shown a clear link between poverty and higher rates of depression, severe mental health conditions, and suicide.
Studies also show that crime rates—beyond just personal victimisation—have a strong and measurable impact on mental health, and that living in high-crime areas increases the risk of depression, largely due to ongoing stress and fear.
Our Call To Action
Mental health is recognised as a human right globally, and as such is protected by policies, treaties, and legislation in South Africa. However, despite such protections, too many people still do not receive the mental health care they need in South Africa (1 in 10 people according to 2019 data), while mental health continues to be under-prioritised and underfunded.
Whilst SAFMH recognises that the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan (2023-2030) is in place, implementation is key to addressing the ongoing and compounded mental health-related emergencies South Africa continues to face.
This WMHD, we call for:
- Meaningful multisectoral collaboration between government departments and all other relevant stakeholders and role-players. This includes ensuring that responses to GBV, poverty, and crime are fully integrated into the relevant national strategic plans.
- Government to acknowledge that violence is a public health emergency in the country, which significantly impacts on the mental health of all in South Africa.
- For government to increase the budget for mental health according to the investment case report from 2019, which showed that an estimated R223.7 billion would be required, with an average of R254 per capita per year (based on the 2019 population levels and currency rates). By 2035, such investment is likely to have significant, positive mental health impacts.
- A significantly larger proportion of South Africa’s mental health budget is being invested into community-based mental health care, ensuring affordable access to mental health services, especially for people who face poverty.
- Government to recognise persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, along with the providers of community-based mental health services, as worthy, competent, equal partners in the development, delivery and monitoring of mental health services.
- An assessment of SAPS’s responses to GBV, along with an evaluation of the psychosocial support provided to survivors of GBV by SAPS.
- GBV shelters and other frontline support services to ensure relevant and adequate mental health services are offered.
You can read more in our WMHD Campaign Summary here.
In support of World Mental Health Month [WMHM], SAFMH will also be undertaking several activities throughout October, including:
- A joint webinar on Thursday, 23 October 2025, at 9 AM, with Tabvuma Mental Health focused on “Culturally safe and responsive mental health care: Lessons from Australia and South Africa”. The webinar will share practical examples of how culturally grounded, respectful and community-centred care is put into practice, because culture matters in healing. You can register here.
- SAFMH will host an event at our offices in Ferndale, Johannesburg, on Friday, 24 October 2025, where we will further unpack the link between GBV and mental health and highlight the need to prioritise sufficient mental health support for survivors of GBV.
Keep an eye on our social media platforms for all WMHM content.
We look forward to an impactful October 2025!
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michel’le Donnelly | michel’le@safmh.org | 079 799 6533
