If left unattended, gender-based violence (GBV) could culminate in a cycle of abuse, particularly when children become witnesses to such happenings.

The Director of Regain Trust, James Itana, said the cases being reported in relation to GBV in Namibia are just the tip of the iceberg, as so many go unreported, especially when deemed personal matters between households or families. 

Itana also raised concern that more often than not, people view GBV as physical, not paying much attention to psychological abuse.

Although male engagements are picking up, Itana said a systemic engagement is needed with men and boys across various levels. 

"What we are currently implementing is sort of once-off interactions, either through a national men's conference or a three- or four-day engagement with men. But I think what needs to happen is that there really needs to be a systemic engagement with men and boys across various levels. So in workplaces, we must have platforms where we can engage with men and have these conversations. Within the school system, there needs to be structured conversations with men and boys. The media – we need to have the media come on board and help us host spaces where we can engage with men and boys on social media platforms."

The Head of the Gender-Based Violence Victims Protection Division in the Police, Catherine Walaula, said there are various forms of gender-based violence, whereas physical and sexual abuse are recorded as crimes.

Deputy Commissioner Walaula said psychological abuse is mostly referred to a counsellor or other legal protection units, as they do not show evidence to legally protect the victim from the perpetrator during a court hearing.

"The physical abuse, that is, the hitting, beating and kicking, and also the sexual abuse, are recorded because they're reported as crimes. But the form of violence, such as the emotional, whereby people are torturing each other, which now leads to the physical, is referred to the counselling department, that is, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Gender Equality, as well as the economics. We do not record psychological abuse because no evidence can be presented in court."

She further said that children who witness abuse or have been victimised during their upbringing become perpetrators because of past trauma and experiences.