Gender-based violence remains a profound and widespread problem that affects almost every aspect of life in South Africa, according to a study by the Human Sciences Research Council. The first-ever Gender-Based Violence Study in South Africa shows that almost 40% of women in the country experience physical and sexual violence in their lives. The country has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence, including rape, femicide and domestic abuse. Thabiso Tema spoke with Dr Mpumi Zungu, Research Director in the Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).