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

Thesis (M. A. (Criminology and Criminal Justice)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of this study was to analyse violence towards educators in the selected high schools in the Mankweng policing area. This was done by identifying factors contributing to school violence, assessing consequences of violence on victims of violence and determining measures that can be applied to effectively prevent, combat and investigate this scourge. This qualitative study applied the explanatory research design to recruit participants using non-probability sampling techniques, specifically purposive and snowball sampling respectively. Eighteen (18) participants were selected for this study, comprising of Six (06) educators from each of the Three (03) selected high schools of Mankweng policing area. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and documentary studies. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). This study established that there are factors that contribute to the occurrence of school violence; victims are affected by school violence (I.e. Be it social, psychological and physical); and that there are measures that may reduce the occurrence of these violence. Findings of the research indicate that factors such as demographic location, substance abuse, peer pressure, gang groups are the causes of violence, leading to victims facing consequences such as depression, anxiety attacks and early retirement. For recommendations, this study provides that the community get involved in reducing school violence, the DBE should provide pro-active and re-active measures to combat violence, enforce a strong collaboration between stakeholders and enforce legislative framework implemented about workplace safety.