The GBV Indicators Research project in Botswana was conducted collaboratively with local partners on different aspects of research. The GL Botswana satellite office collected first-hand accounts of women experiences and men's perpetration of gender violence in councils were they conducted local government training.

The collection of administrative data on GBV from Botswana police services, health services,courts ,shelters and counselling services  was implemented in partnership with WLSA Botswana.

Results from the study show that 67% of all women interviewed have experienced some form of violence (psychological, emotional, economic, physical or sexual) in their lifetime, while 44% of all men admit to perpetrating violence against women at some point in their lifetime.

The political discourse analyses which seeks to gauge political will and contribution to the fight against GBV was conducted in partnership with University of Botswana. All readily available speeches made by key political leaders from April 2010 to 2011 were analysed for GBV content and discourse. Findings show that GBV still does not feature in most speeches by political leaders with only 6% of speeches referring  to GBV as a main topic.

Although GBV is widespread in Botswana there is a great extent of underreporting of GBV to police, health and support services. Only one in every five women who were physically abused and injured by their intimate partner reported to police while only one in seven physically abused women sought medical help for injuries.

Other key findings include a high prevelance (17.5%) of  sexual harrassment experienced at work. Proportions of women and men who are aware of the Domestic Violence Act are similar with 46% and 43%, respectively.

To view the executive summary of the Botswana report click here