The South African Child Gauge® is published annually by the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, to monitor progress towards realising children’s rights. This 18th issue of the South African Child Gauge focuses attention on the intersections of violence against women and children and how early exposure to violence can lead to an intergenerational cycle of violence that has enormous human, social and economic costs.
South African Child Gauge® 2025
Editors: Lucy Jamieson, Shanaaz Mathews, Mercilene Machisa & Lori Lake
Suggested citation: Jamieson L, Mathews S, Machisa M & Lake L. South African Child Gauge 2025. Cape Town: Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town. 2025.
ISBN: 978-0-7961-9767-2 | © 2025 Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town
There is increasing global evidence that violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) are deeply interconnected. These forms of violence often co-occur in the same households, share common risk factors and are perpetuated by societal norms that legitimise or tolerate violence. Yet, South Africa's programmes, research and policies on VAW and VAC have historically been siloed – with different strategies, terminologies, and lead agencies.
The findings of the South African Child Gauge® 2025 argue that South Africa must adopt an integrated approach to address the needs of both women and children affected by violence, and to break the intergenerational cycle of harm. The Child Gauge 2025 highlights promising practices – such as gender-transformative programming – that can help promote healthier, non-violent relationships in families, schools and communities. It also identifies opportunities to strengthen systems by providing trauma-informed and family-centred services to prevent the intergenerational transmission of violence.
Dr Najat Maalla M'jid, United Nations SRSG on Violence against Children
Prof. Linda Richter, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, Wits
Prof. Benyam Mezmur, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
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Browse and download supplementary resources for the South African Child Gauge® 2025. These materials provide insights, context, and guidance to support understanding and action for South Africa's children.
For media and research enquiries, contact communications.ci@uct.ac.za.
