Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This research explores the potential value for the application of the visual expressionistic arts, as well as the application of forensic art for the emancipation of victims of violent crime. Qualitative research methods are used in order to make certain assumptions and recommendations for the application of the forensic arts in the emancipation of traumatized victims. The research is based on the view that human behaviour is influenced by different internal and external contextual influences. The theoretical basis for the research is further supported by the grounding principals of the psycho-analytic, symbolic interactionistic and the phenomenological theoretical approaches. The potential for the application of the forensic arts during crisis intervention and trauma counselling as a therapeutic technique and a communication medium are investigated. The potential forensic value of the victims’ art for the criminal justice system is also explored during the research. / Die navorsing ondersoek die potensiele waarde vir die aanwending van die tradisionele visuele beeldende kunste asook die aanwending van die forensiese kunste vir die emansipasie van slagoffers van geweldsmisdaad. Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes word tydens die navorsing gebruik ten einde sekere afleidings en aanbevelings te maak aangaande die aanwending van die forensiese kuns vir die emansipasie van getraumatiseerde misdaadslagoffers. Die navorsing word teoreties gebaseer op die beskouing van die mens wie se gedrag beinvloed word deur verskillende interne en eksterne kontekstuele invloede. Die teoretiese basis vir die navorsing word verder ondersteun deur die grondbeginsels van die psigo-analise, simboliese interaksionisme en die fenomenologiese teoretiese benaderings. Die potensiaal vir die aanwending van forensiese kuns as 'n terapeutiese tegniek en kommunikasiemedium tydens krisisingryping en berading word ondersoek. Die potensiele forensiese waarde van misdaadslagoffers se kuns in die regsplegingstelsel word ook in die navorsing ondersoek. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

The susceptibility of adolescents to chemical addiction has become a major international concern. Approximately 25% of people in Central Asia and Eastern Europe who inject chemical substances are under the age of 20 years (Youth at the United Nations, 2006), while up to 75% of unintentional injuries among adolescents in America are related to substance abuse (Page & Page, 2003:196). On the national level, approximately 25% of adolescents under the age of 20 are involved in substance abuse (Western Cape Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation Transformation Plan, 2006:13). Focusing on the Western Cape, a report from the South African Epidemiology Network (2007:3) highlights that the youngest patient in in-patient treatment was nine years of age, and among 2 798 persons who received in-patient treatment, 27% were under the age of 20, more than any other age group in treatment. Treatment of adolescent chemical addiction should include preparation for treatment, treatment, and also aftercare services to ensure that the addicted adolescent develops skills to maintain sobriety (Meyer, 2005:292-293). Section Six of the South African Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (1992) prescribes that chemically addicted persons should have access to professional aftercare services to ensure that treatment is not terminated prematurely. The motivation for this study was based on the fact that, despite this statutory requirement, the Western Cape Drug Forum (2005:3) identified the need for the development of aftercare services in 2005, indicating the lack of focus on aftercare as part of treatment. This concern was confirmed by practitioners in the field of adolescent chemical addiction and findings resulted from previous research regarding relapse experiences of chemically addicted adolescents (Van der Westhuizen, 2007:129-130). / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)

A qualitative study aimed at exploring the nature and extent of the perceived social support available to male prisoners living with HIV at Pretoria Central Prison was conducted. A literature investigation into the life and world of male prisoners, with a focus on the nature and extent of the perceived social support provided to prisoners living with HIV, is presented. Fifteen (15) prisoners were identified by means of non-probability purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect information on how male prisoners living with HIV at Pretoria Central Prison viewed the nature and extent of the social support available to them. The study shows that the research participants living with HIV tended to receive social support from practitioners and other prisoners trained as voluntary caregivers. The study recommends that prisoners living with HIV should have greater access to social support from their significant others. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the management of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). This entailed an assessment of the levels of awareness amongst employees, and an assessment of employees’ knowledge of the policy and its implementation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to randomly selected employees. It was found that the respondents’ level of awareness of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy at Stats SA was satisfactory. Although some differences were observed, overall it seems that Stats SA was successful in promoting general awareness of its policy and its contents. However, as far as the respondents’ attitudes and opinions relating to the implementation of the policy at Stats SA are concerned, several issues still need to be addressed. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The study used a qualitative and quantitative approach in evaluating the handling of domestic violence cases in the Alice cluster by the South African Police Service officials. Fifty SAPS officials and twenty victims of domestic violence participated in the research study. Forty cases of domestic violence and four inspection reports by the Eastern Cape Evaluation Service from the Alice cluster were also consulted which served to confirm the responses from the respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were utilized for data collection. The research study revealed that SAPS officials were not properly trained in domestic violence, as a result domestic violence cases were not handled according to the Domestic Violence Act. Some domestic violence victims expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of their cases. The suggested recommendations include adequate training necessary for SAPS officials to improve service delivery to the victims of domestic violence and proper supervision by the station management. / Police Practice / M.Tech. (Policing))

This study sought to investigate factors that influence adherence to treatment amongst rural people living with HIV and accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Shongwe hospital in Mpumalanga. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. From patients’ case files, a sample of twenty-eight respondents was recruited for the completion of questionnaires. A focus group discussion with nine participants was held, followed by qualitative interviews with three key informants. Findings indicated that a complex web of factors unique to each patient’s social context plays a role in determining whether or not patients adhere to their regimens. Obstacles to adherence are poor social support, problems relating to disclosure, unemployment and economic hardship, traditional and religious beliefs, the quality and nature of adherence counselling and treatment side effects. / Sociology / M. A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

This quantitative, explorative and descriptive survey attempted to determine factors that influence the adolescent pregnancy rate in the Greater Giyani Municipality. Data were gathered from adolescent girls attending four selected high schools. Non-probability convenient sample of 147 respondents was used with 100% return rate. Data was collected using a questionnaire which had a reliability of 0.65. Data were analysed using the SAS/Basic computer program, version 9.2. Findings indicated that 56.34% of respondents reported key psychosocial variables such as peer pressure and 58.90% of them changed values as contributory to high pregnancy rates. .Health services were reported as not freely available and relationships with nurses significantly cited as poor by 72.41% respondents with regard to maintenance of confidentiality. Recommendations were made to improve school health services, reproductive education and future research / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This investigation attempts to analyse the applicability of child protection policy and legislation to black families and children in South Africa. The literature study focuses on the nature, scope and implications of child protection and child protection legislation, perspectives on children's and parents' rights, and more specifically on child-care policy and legislation in South Africa. A limited exploratory empirical investigation within the confines of the Child and Family Care Society was undertaken. The researcher had, by way of a case analysis, studied factors influencing the application of child-care legislation ~l:'ld described how legislation is being applied in practice. The application of philosophies and principles inherent in child-care policies, and the evolvement of certain patterns and trends have also been analysed. Specific deficiencies have been identified and recommendations regarding more effective social work practice are highlighted. / Social Work / M.A. (Mental Health)

Young women working in SMEs are increasingly being affected by HIV and AIDS, and SMEs are expected to respond to HIV and AIDS through workplace policies and programmes. This requires commitment from SMEs to help young women who face various gendered vulnerabilities to HIV and AIDs. The study, whose purpose was to investigate young women workers’ experiences of the HIV and AIDS response of small and medium enterprises in a semi urban area in KwaZulu-Natal, used a qualitative approach and collected data from three SMEs in Pietermaritzburg during the period of the study. Findings of the study indicate that the majority of respondents from all three SMEs agree on experiencing limited or no HIV and AIDS policies and programmes in SMEs. With reference to incomplete or limited responses, two SMEs provide financial assistance for funerals. However, some aspects such as education and awareness, monitoring, management commitment, provision of medical aid, facilitation of peer education, appointment of an HIV officer and more were not evident. Thus recommendations were made on how SMEs should respond, and future research ideas were outlined. / Health Studies / M. A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

In South Africa prior to 1994, community-based care and support services were established for whites only. The majority of older African (black) persons received informal support from their adult children and relatives. This has waned over the years due to the social and economic changes that have put into doubt the continued viability of such support. The Older Persons Act of 2006 requires social workers to establish community-based care and support services for older persons. Hence, the study was conducted to understand the factors that influence social workers in establishing CBCSS for older persons in Bloemfontein in the Free State Province. A qualitative research method was undertaken to accomplish the goal of the study. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify suitable participants. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen social workers who provide services to older persons. The data was analysed through Tesch’s (cited by Creswell, 2009:186) eight steps of qualitative analysis and data verification was conducted following Guba’s (Kreftling, 1991) model. The major finding is that there is a need for social workers to specialise in older persons programmes (gerontology). For the programmes to be a success, it is recommended that the Department of Social Development (DSD) strive to retain social workers who are knowledgeable and experienced in older persons programmes. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)