- Physicians identified structural and social barriers that obstruct survivor access to GBV care, including inefficient systems, lack of collaboration and financial burdens.
- Responding to GBV causes physician stress, fatigue and feelings of helplessness; clinicians are motivated by empathy yet experience secondary trauma.
- Comprehensive public health response required, with improved cooperation between government and private sector, increased prevention funding and strengthened infrastructure for survivor care.
Front Public Health. 2026 Sep 9;14:1716697. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1716697. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: South Africa has seen a rise in gender-based violence (GBV), which now ranks as a top contributor to years of life lost for women. GBV is a significant public health challenge. Physicians and other medical professionals need targeted knowledge and skills for an adequate response. This study assessed South African physicians’ understanding and opinions on GBV care. It also explored the effects on physicians treating survivors.
METHODS: To assess the understanding and opinions of practicing physicians in South Africa, the study used a qualitative method. One mini focus group discussion (mini-FGD) included four physicians from four provinces. This was followed by one in-depth interview (IDI). Researchers conducted thematic analysis using Atlas.ti. They organized themes based on guided prompts.
RESULTS: Physicians identified structural and social barriers like societal issues, inefficient systems, lack of collaborative efforts for GBV, community factors affecting the care, personal financing for GBV care that block survivor access to GBV care. Survivors often return to unsafe environments because of poor support services. Physicians reported stress, fatigue, and helplessness while responding to GBV survivors. While physicians are motivated by empathy to help survivors, they also experience trauma due to the growing number of GBV cases.
CONCLUSION: The high incidence of GBV in South Africa demands comprehensive attention. Physicians recognized GBV care as a complex socioeconomic and public health issue. They reported that enhanced cooperation between the government and the private sector, with a focus on funding prevention and strengthening infrastructure, would improve care for survivors of GBV.
PMID:42780718 | PMC:PMC13597760 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1716697
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