New data released by the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) reveals a troubling surge in gender-based violence (GBV) within the Manzini region, which accounted for 61% of all reported abuse cases in December.
According to the analysis of 53 GBV cases reported during the month, Manzini remained the epicentre of abuse, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Lubombo followed with 23% of reported cases, while Shiselweni and Hhohho accounted for 9% and 7%, respectively. Notably, Hhohho recorded the lowest number of cases in December compared to earlier months in the year.
Also, the December figures indicated that women and girls continued to bear the brunt of abuse.
Of the 53 reported cases, 42 (77%) involved female victims, while 12 cases (23%) involved male victims.
Emotional abuse emerged as the most prevalent form of GBV, accounting for 66% (35 cases) of all reported incidents during the month.
Sexual abuse made up 15% (eight cases) of the total and was reported exclusively by female survivors, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of women and girls to sexual violence. No cases of financial abuse were recorded in December.
Further analysis of sexual abuse cases revealed pronounced geographic concentration.
Manzini alone accounted for 63% of all reported sexual abuse incidents, reinforcing its status as a critical hotspot requiring urgent intervention. Shiselweni followed with 13%, while Hhohho and Lubombo each recorded 12% of such cases.
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The data also painted a troubling picture of where abuse most often occurs.
Nearly three-quarters of all incidents (73%) took place within the home, highlighting the prevalence of domestic and intimate partner violence.
Consistent with this trend, husband-and-wife relationships formed the largest category of perpetrators, with 10 reported cases.
Beyond intimate partners, abuse was also perpetrated by individuals known to the victims. Neighbours, siblings and strangers each accounted for four reported cases, illustrating that GBV extends beyond the household and into the wider community.
The findings underscored the urgent need for targeted prevention and response strategies, particularly in Manzini, as well as strengthened community awareness, survivor support services and law enforcement interventions to address the persistent and largely domestic nature of gender-based violence in the country.
Furthermore, last month SWAGAA’s data indicated that its counselling department provided support services to 44 survivors of gender-based violence and violence against children, comprising 32 females and 12 males.
While 53 cases were reported, the data revealed that nine survivors experienced and reported more than one incident of abuse within the same month, pointing to repeated victimisation.
