Paper short abstract:

There is need to recognize religious actors as key partners in addressing social challenges. In a society where religion determines gender power relations, religious actors play a key role in challenging violence against women.

Paper long abstract:

In 2014, the country was named the world rape capital because of the intensity of violence. Several legal reforms have been put in place to address such violence, which include the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 and the establishment of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences investigations units across all South African Police Services stations. It appears these laws and policies have not been an effective strategy to address violence against women. Despite the longstanding tendency in the social sciences to overlook the role of religion or religious actors in the realm of social service provision, faith-based organizations have proven to be key religious actors in addressing the challenge of violence against women in Cape Town. Although research on the work of FBOs and violence against women mitigation is still in its infancy, these organizations have proven to be essential partners in responding to the challenge of violence against women through advocacy and campaigns, offering training to religious leaders and providing shelter to survivors of violence against women. It is significant to appreciate that in a society such as South Africa where religion determines gender power relations, laws and policies alone are not an effective strategy to curb violence against women. There is need to appreciate the role of religious actors in addressing social problems such as violence against women. The work of FBOs in addressing violence against women reflects the continued presence of religion in the public square and its continued role in addressing social problems.