Domestic violence calls to the City of Cape Town's emergency centre increased by 45% in the 2025/26 financial year. The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 6,487 domestic violence calls, up from 4,464 the previous year. This significant rise highlights the growing concern of domestic violence in the city. Tafelsig recorded the highest share of domestic-violence calls, accounting for 6.8% of all calls.
Tafelsig's share of domestic-violence calls is almost double that of Wesbank, which had the second-largest share at 3.6%. Other areas with high shares of domestic-violence calls include Manenberg at 2.8%, Sherwood Park at 2.5%, and Eastridge, Bonteheuwel, and Hanover Park each at 2.4%. These areas, primarily located in the Cape Flats, are generating a substantial number of calls for help. The City of Cape Town is working to address the issue through its emergency services.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith attributed the increase in domestic-violence calls to both continued violence and more victims reporting abuse. He stated that the rise in reporting is likely a combination of the continued assault on women and children, as well as more survivors speaking up. This suggests that awareness and trust in the reporting process are increasing.
Metro Police officers attended 941 domestic-violence incidents during the financial year and made 126 arrests. However, officers often encounter complicated circumstances when responding to domestic violence incidents. In some cases, alleged perpetrators had left before officers arrived, while in others, victims were reluctant to pursue charges.
Officers responding to domestic violence incidents have the authority to remove an aggressor from a home to a safe location and advise victims about obtaining protection orders. The City emphasizes that domestic violence is not restricted to intimate partners, with officers also encountering cases involving other members of households. This highlights the complexity of domestic violence cases.
Substance abuse is a common factor in incidents attended by officers. According to the City, these conflicts do not happen in isolation and require a whole-of-society approach that goes beyond the initial emergency call and enforcement response. This comprehensive approach aims to address the root causes of domestic violence.
The increase in domestic-violence calls in Cape Town is part of a larger national trend. The Department of Social Development's Gender-Based Violence Command Centre recorded 6,782 calls between September 1 and 16, averaging 424 calls a day. This represents a 21% increase in the daily average compared to the same period in August. Residents can contact the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline for emergency assistance.
Key points
- Domestic violence calls to Cape Town's emergency centre increased by 45% in 2025/26.
- Tafelsig recorded the highest share of domestic-violence calls at 6.8%.
- Metro Police officers attended 941 domestic-violence incidents and made 126 arrests during the financial year.
