This is an exploratory study on the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa. It is a case study of two townships in the Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted at Ntselamanzi and Upper Qhumashe townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape. Since this is a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of ten women in abusive relationships and focus group interviews were conducted on five service providers for a triangulation. A study of related literature focused on African women in battered relationships. An African women’s perspective on the experiences of abuse have been explored. Gender based radical feminist views were discussed and legislations and conventions were analyzed from a human rights perspective. The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the role of service providers were also looked into. The findings suggest that African women experience abuse in partner relationships. They sustain grievous bodily harm, psychological, emotional and financial abuse. The patriarchy system, alcohol abuse, infidelity, traditional practices and failure to maintain children have been cited as some of the reasons. The social networks and service providers assisted these women to some extent. However, there is need for ethnic sensitive interdisciplinary training approach on African communities on the Act and a legal system that is accessible to rural women in order to curb further abuse. Various recommendations have been put forward. The study indicated a need for ethnic sensitive empowerment programs for the abused, rehabilitative programs that take into cognizance human rights violations of these women and the abusers, and effective legal remedies to prohibit women abuse.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Thesis (M. A. (Criminology and Criminal Justice)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The purpose of this study was to explore domestic Violence, closely looking at the victimisation of women and children in the Mankweng police area, situated in Capricorn Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study sought to identify factors contributing to abuse against women and children, to assess types of abuse experienced by victims and to determine measures that can be applied to prevent it. This qualitative study applied the exploratory research design to recruit participants using non-probability sampling techniques, specifically purposive sampling tehniques. About Fifteen (15) participants, including Twelve (12) local SAPS officials and three (3) social workers attached to the SAPS FCS who work closely with domestic violence, were selected in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using Textual Content Analysis (TCA). This study established that there are factors that contribute to the occurrence of domestic VAW and children; victims are affected by domestic violence (I.e., Be it physical, sexual, psychological and financial); and that there are measures that may reduce its occurrence. Findings of this study indicates that factors such culture, alcohol abuse, financial dependency, and exposure to abuse at early childhood contribute to the occurrence of domestic violence and that victims experience abuse differently. For recommendations, there is a need for Educational programmes on domestic violence legislative framework(s), especially the Domestic Violence Act [DVA] (No. 116 of 1998). They should be strictly enforced to assist perpetrators to note the seriousness of this crime and the detrimental effects of their actions. The response of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) on this practice should be efficient in this regard. The potential victims should be aware of different steps to take to avoid domestic violence and related abuse. There also a dire needs for the available service providers, such as the social workers, health professional and police to be familiar with effective ways to deal with this practice. Keywords: Children, Domestic violence, Domestic Violence Act [DVA] (No. 116 of 1998), Limpopo Province, Mankweng policing area, Women, VictimisationVictims

There has been a vast amount of research regarding domestic violence. However, the literature is centered on a linear, cause and effect approach. This study aimed to explore domestic violence from the experiences of young female adults, and will be approached from a postmodern perspective. The participants were selected based on purposive sampling and willingness to participate. The sample consists of two participants and the data was obtained through their written stories and semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Themes were then extracted from the data and were explored through hermeneutic analysis which is consistent with the postmodern approach. A qualitative methodological design was used in order to allow meaning to emerge. The results were then presented in an interpretive and descriptive manner. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

The study investigated Zimbabwean Christian and Muslim women who had experienced domestic violence with a view to finding out the extent to which these women used provisions of the Domestic Violence Act of 2006. The study was conducted in urban Masvingo and its surroundings. The methodology applied to the empirical investigation was qualitative and was informed by the phenomenological, feminist and pragmatic theoretical frameworks. Data was collected, by means of in-depth semi-structured interviews, from 30 participants, 22 Christian and 8 Muslim, who were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. In investigating the women’s experiences, some questions guided the study. These include: Where and to what extent does a select group of Christian and Muslim women who fall victim to domestic violence normally seek help? How do religious and cultural beliefs and practices influence the response to domestic violence by the abused as well as those to whom they report? To what extent do religious communities prevent selected victims of domestic violence from seeking legal assistance? Data was analysed by coding responses according to themes. The study revealed that the participants perceived domestic violence as having diverse causes and most of them saw their religion as crucial in addressing their plight. It emerged that a majority of the participants sought help from their religious communities as well as relatives and friends. Mixed responses emanated from these sources of help. The most common response, based largely on religious and cultural beliefs, was to encourage participants to avoid reporting to authorities. It also emerged that most of the participants were not willing to seek help from the police, courts or legal practitioners to seek redress because of the advice they received as well as their own internalised beliefs. Religious, social, and economic factors prevented most participants from appealing to provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.It was concluded that the Zimbabwean Domestic Violence Act had limited usefulness for participants because of religious, social and economic factors. It was recommended that if relevant stakeholders could jointly work together, domestic violence would be alleviated. Recommendations for further research were also made. / Religious Studies & Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

In this study, the research problem sought to explore the degree of implementation of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Domestic Violence Act clearly stipulates the responsibilities of members of the South African Police Service in terms of the policing and management of domestic violence. Data was collected by means of a literature study and individual interviews conducted with SAPS members at the station level. These police officials are responsible for implementing the provisions set out in the DVA. The researcher also drew on her investigative experience in the SAPS, including the investigation of domestic violence. In addition, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature study of national legislation, internal SAPS policies and directives that govern and promote the regulation of domestic violence in South Africa, the policing of domestic violence, media and newspaper reports as well as library resources and international studies. The findings of the research indicate that participants had a diverse understanding of domestic violence. This study also serves as testimony that the majority of the participants perceived and experienced the implementation of the DVA by the SAPS in various ways. However, participants understand their role and responsibilities to efficiently implement the provisions of the DVA. It was further determined that most of the participants knew their responsibilities regarding record keeping in incidences of domestic violence, and that members of the SAPS knew the procedure to follow in order to serve protection orders. It is, however, questionable whether they will be able to do so when necessary as most of them have not served it themselves as there are specific members at the station level who have been designated the duty of serving protection orders. However, it became evident that SAPS members are confronted with various challenges, at the station level, which hinder the proper implementation of the DVA. The recommendations made in this study may provide the SAPS with knowledge regarding the challenges and shortcomings that police officials experience in effectively implementing the provisions set out in the DVA, the role and responsibilities of SAPS members to efficiently implement the DVA, as well as the training and resources necessary to effectively execute the DVA. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Policing)

There has been a vast amount of research regarding domestic violence. However, the literature is centered on a linear, cause and effect approach. This study aimed to explore domestic violence from the experiences of young female adults, and will be approached from a postmodern perspective. The participants were selected based on purposive sampling and willingness to participate. The sample consists of two participants and the data was obtained through their written stories and semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Themes were then extracted from the data and were explored through hermeneutic analysis which is consistent with the postmodern approach. A qualitative methodological design was used in order to allow meaning to emerge. The results were then presented in an interpretive and descriptive manner. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

The study investigated Zimbabwean Christian and Muslim women who had experienced domestic violence with a view to finding out the extent to which these women used provisions of the Domestic Violence Act of 2006. The study was conducted in urban Masvingo and its surroundings. The methodology applied to the empirical investigation was qualitative and was informed by the phenomenological, feminist and pragmatic theoretical frameworks. Data was collected, by means of in-depth semi-structured interviews, from 30 participants, 22 Christian and 8 Muslim, who were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. In investigating the women’s experiences, some questions guided the study. These include: Where and to what extent does a select group of Christian and Muslim women who fall victim to domestic violence normally seek help? How do religious and cultural beliefs and practices influence the response to domestic violence by the abused as well as those to whom they report? To what extent do religious communities prevent selected victims of domestic violence from seeking legal assistance? Data was analysed by coding responses according to themes. The study revealed that the participants perceived domestic violence as having diverse causes and most of them saw their religion as crucial in addressing their plight. It emerged that a majority of the participants sought help from their religious communities as well as relatives and friends. Mixed responses emanated from these sources of help. The most common response, based largely on religious and cultural beliefs, was to encourage participants to avoid reporting to authorities. It also emerged that most of the participants were not willing to seek help from the police, courts or legal practitioners to seek redress because of the advice they received as well as their own internalised beliefs. Religious, social, and economic factors prevented most participants from appealing to provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.It was concluded that the Zimbabwean Domestic Violence Act had limited usefulness for participants because of religious, social and economic factors. It was recommended that if relevant stakeholders could jointly work together, domestic violence would be alleviated. Recommendations for further research were also made. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Domestic violence is a serious social problem, both in Southern Africa, as well as globally. From March 2003 to February 2004 a total of 27 071 men and women were assisted by Mosaic to apply for Interim Protection Orders (IPO), in the domestic violence sections of eleven Magistrates’ Courts in the Western Cape in South Africa. Mosaic is a nongovernmental organisation and provides free support services to all victims of domestic violence. The IPO, which is the practical tool and legal document of the South African Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, is issued by a Magistrate’s Court. It is supposed to protect victims from physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal and/or economic abuse, harassment, intimidation, stalking, damage to and entering of their property without their consent, in the interim period before a Final Protection Order is granted. The primary objectives of this study are to determine the impact of an IPO on the nature and the extent of domestic violence, the impact of an IPO on the general well-being of the victims of domestic violence and the efficiency of the application procedure for an IPO. The secondary objectives are to compile a profile of the victims of domestic violence in different cultural groups, to describe and compare the nature and the extent of domestic violence in different cultural groups, to review the role of the police in the implementation of an IPO, to make recommendations where applicable, and to inform the South African Government and policy makers of the findings of this study. An extensive literature study focusing on domestic violence, general well-being and the link between the two concepts provides the theoretical basis of the study. The empirical study confirms the link between domestic violence and general well-being. A quasi-experimental research design is used in this study. The study comprises two groups, namely an experimental group (N=884) and a control group (N=125). The control group, which appears similar to the experimental group (in the sense that they also experienced domestic violence) is drawn from the same communities as the experimental group. Both groups were pre-tested (completed a first set of questionnaires). The experimental group was exposed to a treatment (the application for and granting of an IPO). Both groups were then post-tested (completed a second set of questionnaires). Two standardised questionnaires were used, namely The Abuse Disability Questionnaire (McNamara, 1999) and The Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (Gomez & Fisher, 2003). Participants in the experimental and control groups experienced all forms of domestic violence as described in the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 (RSA Government Gazette, 1998). Results indicated that the IPO did not contribute significantly to the reduction in total abuse exposure, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse or sexual abuse, as both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. The IPO was found to contribute significantly to a reduction in total impairment. On a physical level, the IPO contributes significantly to the reduction of health status issues. On a psychological level, it contributes significantly to the reduction of concern with physical harm, psychological dysfunction, life restriction and inadequate life control. On a social level, the IPO contributes significantly to a decrease in relationship disability. The IPO does not contribute to a reduction in anxiety and substance abuse as participants in both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. The IPO does not contribute significantly to an increase in the personal, communal, environmental and transcendental well-being of participants in the experimental group as participants in both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. “Breaking the silence” and awareness of support had a similarly positive impact on domestic violence in the control group, as did the IPO in the experimental group. This indicates that it is not only the IPO, by itself, which has a positive impact on the victims of domestic violence. There are shortcomings in the IPO and Interim Warrant of Arrest that need to be addressed. Improving the information, education and support structures, both in the courts and in the community, will empower the victims of domestic violence. Although the present research was conducted in metropolitan areas in the Western Cape in South Africa, improvements in the system that result from it will benefit all communities. The key findings of this study have already been channelled to representatives of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Lower Court Judiciary, Non-Governmental Organisations, South African Police Service, policy makers and other interested parties. Avenues for future research have also been opened.

The research addresses secondary victimization of women reporting abuse at the Lenasia Police Station and reasons why it occurs. In addition, the research also determines if the expectations of the survivors of abuse about the police when reporting abuse are in line with what the Domestic Violence Act stipulates as their duties. To determine this, a sample of survivors reporting abuse was used. A qualitative and quantitative approach to the research was used. Two questionnaires were used for the sample of survivors and for service provides, with an opinion survey with knowledgeable people and a focus group discussion with police. It was found that some women were experiencing victimization by the police and that the survivors' expectations of the police were as stipulated in the Domestic Violence Act. Services provided by service providers were outlined and obstacles preventing police to provide a good service were identified. Recommendations were made. / Social work / MA(SS) (SOCIAL WORK)