Durban hairstylist Snenhlanhla Mthembu is recovering in ICU after a brutal incident of domestic violence, with the suspect now arrested. As the case unfolds, gender-based violence activists are drawing attention to the deep-rooted systemic challenges that continue to fail survivors, including stigma, gaps in justice and limited access to support. We speak to Mish Swanepoel, social media and marketing representative for South African Women Fight Back, on the realities faced by survivors, the role of community support and what must change when the law falls short.