The Effectiveness of Legislative Reform in Combating Domestic Violence: a Comparative Analysis of Laws in Ghana, Namibia and South Africa

Although women’s rights advocates laud the progressive domestic violence laws in Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa, such laws tend to generate controversy and internal resistance on cultural and traditional grounds, and are frequently criticised for their lack of effective implementation. Consequently, some question the effectiveness of legislative reform altogether. This article employs a detailed comparative analysis of the development and implementation of laws in each country, to assess the effectiveness of legislative reform to combat domestic violence. It argues that legislative reform to combat domestic violence, particularly when rooted both in international human rights law and local contexts, is both necessary and generally effective for developing normative and legal standards, driving State accountability for protection from violence, and ultimately promoting social change.