By Caroline Peters
Caroline Peters is a seasoned African feminist, activist, and human rights defender with over three decades of experience combatting gender-based violence in South Africa, having played a pivotal role in shaping national legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Bill.
Caroline says:
‘Sexual violence steals more than just a moment – it robs women and girls of safety, trust and often their voices. It echoes through their families, communities and generations. Our collective responsibility is not only to hold perpetrators accountable but to create a society where dignity is non-negotiable and healing is possible.’
Caroline’s underreported topics that need attention are:
- Barriers to justice for survivors in township and rural communities
- The criminalisation of poverty – particularly how it affects women and girls in conflict with the law, including those imprisoned for defending themselves against abusive partners
- The long-term psychosocial and economic impact of sexual violence on survivors and their families, especially within the context of intergenerational trauma
