Gender-Based Violence in Clinical Training: Insights Into and Call for Interventions in South African Higher Education Institutions

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in South African higher education institutions, particularly in clinical training environments where hierarchical structures, power imbalances and high-stress conditions exacerbate vulnerabilities. Despite extensive research on gender-based violence, its occurrence within clinical training contexts remains underexplored. This review article examines the unique vulnerabilities of clinical students and the systemic factors that perpetuate gender-based violence. It draws on Crenshaw’s intersectionality to explore the ways in which structural inequalities and overlapping identities exacerbate these challenges. It identifies key gaps in existing research and emphasises the need for comprehensive context-sensitive responses. The article advocates a multifaceted approach that includes structural reforms, such as survivor-centred grievance mechanisms, and cultural interventions, such as gender-transformative programmes that address harmful norms and foster equitable relationships. Institutional accountability through transparent policies and capacity-building initiatives is also emphasised. Recognising the diversity of South African higher education institutions, the article underscores the importance of tailored interventions that consider institutional disparities, such as rural–urban divides and historical inequities. By proposing actionable strategies, this study calls on higher education institutions to prioritise proactive sustainable measures to deal with GBV and create safer, more inclusive environments for clinical students. The findings contribute to ongoing scholarly debates and provide a framework for institutional transformation in addressing gender-based violence.