Militarisation and violence by state agents remain major challenges, particularly in regions affected by conflict, including some parts of our continent. In South Africa, we are focusing on the subtheme of the proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence. Domestic violence is a reality in every country of the world. The violence becomes even more dangerous when guns - legal or illegal - are present in the home, as they can be used to threaten, injure or kill women and children. According to the International Action Network on Small Arms women are three times more likely to die violently if there is a gun in the house. Not only do small arms facilitate violence against women but they are also used in many contact crimes, robberies and other violent crimes that remain prevalent in our country.