In December 2019, we sent CEO Jane Townsley to Pretoria, South Africa to support the UN Women Multi country office there in carrying out a gap analysis of the South African Police Service (SAPS) responses to GBV crimes. This mission was influenced by events that had taken place in South Africa during 2019 which had received national attention resulting in the President of South Africa establishing an interim steering committee on Gender-based violence and Femicide and a corresponding emergency response plan.

The Gap analysis consisted of a desk review of documents including SAPS policies and training manuals, as well as one to one interviews, focus groups and field visits to several police stations both in Urban areas and townships and Thuthuzela Care Centres where victims are provided with various justice and health services. The final report included nearly 30 recommendations for consideration by the interim steering committee on gender-based violence and femicide.