Intimate Partner Violence continues to be a significant social problem in South Africa, requiring a systematised and effective response at multiple levels. The organisation at the centre of this research offers crisis intervention to victims of intimate partner violence, providing basic psychological support, legal information and referrals. The volunteer crisis interventionists are exposed to numerous in-depth accounts of violent and distressing victimisation, making them more vulnerable to vicarious traumatisation. Through this work, their prior assumptions about personal safety, the trustworthiness of other people, and basic justice in the world, are challenged. The challenge to these assumptions increases the likelihood of countertransference victim blaming responses, as it is often easier to hold the client responsible for the tragic event than for the support worker to transform their own assumptions about safety and justice. This victim blaming response is supported by the dominant patriarchal ideology which frequently seeks to maintain the systems of oppression, excusing the perpetrator and placing responsibility on the victim. It was therefore clear that in order to do this work effectively, volunteers needed to be trained to identify their countertransference reactions and emotional responses, as well as undergo a critical re-assessment of their ideas relating to intimate partner violence and victimisation. Using an Intervention Research paradigm, this research designed and developed a training programme based on transformative learning theory, moving away from traditional information models of training to a focus on emotional skills and critical self-insight. The phases of the intervention refined the intervention in order to ensure that the research objectives were met and that the programme could be easily replicated. The evaluation of each phase showed an increased capacity for critical insight, and evidence for a transformative shift in the trainees understanding and approach to intimate partner violence.

The study explores the experiences of men who perpetrated violence against women in the domestic sphere. The study’s overarching concern is that violence has been largely seen as a women’s problem and not an issue that is central to men and yet in most cases are the perpetrators of this violence. Consequently, men have not been targeted in initiatives that curb domestic violence (Salo, 2005). It is in this frame of reference that this study saw it imperative to focus on the male perspective of gender violence. The study aims to find factors that contribute to male violence and in turn recommend practical and appropriate strategies of dealing with male violence perpetrators. The study drew its theoretical framework largely from the feminist theory, systems theory and the social learning theory in-order to gain insight into the different frameworks for making judgement about male violence against women. Feminists hold the view that, starting with people’s experiences is a powerful tool that provides the rational for their studies. The study was therefore qualitative in nature as it sought to gather men’s experiences of violent against their spouses; semi-structured interviews were utilized during data collection. A purposive sampling method was utilised to select ten men who were known to have perpetrated violence against their partners and five key informants with special knowledge on domestic violence. The research was conducted through the Department of Social Development in Alice in the Eastern Cape, which facilitated a trusting relationship between the researcher and its clients. The findings established that violence is used to maintain control and power over women. Men invoked hegemonic discourses as violence is employed as an instrument to suppress women, mostly in instances were women question their prerogatives and undermine their authority. It was evidenced that cultural practices such as ‘lobola’ (dowry) usually contribute to men’s use of violence. Most of the respondents understood violence from the physical dimension only, as violence was equated to beating and slapping. Added to that was the respondents’ inadequate understanding of domestic violence laws and legislation. The study also established that social service providers seem not to have concrete procedures and capacity to deal with perpetrators of domestic violence. In light of the problems discussed, the study recommends effective counseling and educational programs, policy improvement, capacitation of service providers and the criminal justice system and further research as strategies for dealing with male violence in the Nkonkobe District.

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.

This study aimed to compare the laws governing domestic violence in Ethiopia and India and to then determine their practical efficacy. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with victims of domestic violence, and an examination of judicial interpretation and findings in domestic violence cases, in both the city of Jimma, South-Western Ethiopia, and the town of Ranni, a district of Kerala in India. A comprehensive literature study was conducted concerning domestic violence against women in India and Ethiopia, international laws, and agreements on violence against women, and international best practices relating to domestic violence legislation and prevention. Ethiopian law governing domestic violence was compared with a similar law in India. The nature, cause, extent, and prevalence of domestic violence in both jurisdictions were identified. The findings of this study indicate various shortcomings in the law governing domestic violence in these two countries, which cause a contravention of international agreements and best practices. It was further found that legislation alone is inadequate to address domestic violence since other social and cultural factors are involved in the phenomenon. The need for enhanced legislation in India and Ethiopia to effectively address domestic violence was identified. Intervention strategies to inform policies and legislative changes in terms of domestic violence in India and Ethiopia are therefore proposed. Finally, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on addressing domestic violence in these jurisdictions. / Maikemišetšo a thutelo ye ke go bapetša melao yeo e laolago bošoro ka magaeng go la Ethiopia le India go šupa ge eba melao ye e phethagatšwa ka mokgwa wo o ka thušago go fihlelela dipoelo tše di nyakwago. Tshedimošo e kgobokeditšwe ka mokgwa wa ditherišano tše di tseneletšego le batšwasehlabelo ba itemogetšego bošoro ka magaeng le tlhahlobo ya dikahlolo tša bokgaolakgang tša melato ya bošoro ka magaeng ka toropong ya Jimma, Borwa- Bodikela bja Ethiopia, gammogo le toropo ya Ranni, selete sa Kerala ka go India. Thutelo ya dingwalo ka botlalo e phethagaditšwe ya bošoro ka magaeng kgahlanong le basadi go la India le Ethiopia, melao le ditumelelano tša boditšhabatšhaba ka ga bošoro kgahlanong le basadi le mekgwa ye e amogetšwego boemong bja boditšhabatšhaba go ba ye mekaonekaone ya melao ya bošoro ka magaeng. Melao ya Ethopia yeo e laolago bošoro ka magaeng e bapeditšwe le melao yeo e swanago le yona go la India. Tlhago, seo se hlolago, bogolo le tlwaelo ya tiragalo ya bošoro ka magaeng ka kakaretšo dinageng tše pedi tše di šupilwe. Dikhwetšo tša thutelo ye di bontšha mafokodi a fapanego go melao yeo e laolago bošoro ka magaeng dinageng tše pedi tše ao a dirago gore melao ye e tshele mekgwa ye e amogetšwego boemong bja boditšhabatšhaba go ba ye mekaonekaone. Go lemogilwe gape gore tlhakamolao e nnoši ga e na maatla ao a lekanego go rarolla bošoro ka magaeng, ka ge mabaka a mangwe a setšhaba le setšo a akareditšwe. Tlhokego ya tlhakamolao ya maemo ao a phagamišitšwego ka go India le Ethiopia go lwantšha bošoro ka magaeng e šupilwe. Maano a tsenogare go fa tshedimošo ka melaotshepetšo le diphetogo tša melao ye e tsebišitšwego malebana le bošoro ka magaeng ka go India le Ethiopia ka gorealo a šišintšwe. Mafelelong, thutelo ye e tlaleletša go bontši bja tsebo ye e lego gona ka ga go rarolla bošoro ka magaeng ka go dinaga tše. / Inhloso yalolu cwaningo kwabe kuwukuqhathanisa imithetho elawula udlame lwasekhaya e-Ethiopia kanye nase-India ngenhloso yokuthola ukuthi le mithetho isetshenziswa ngendlela efanele yini. Idatha yaqoqwa ngokuthi kubanjwe izingxoxo ezinohlonze futhi ezijulile nabantu abayizisulu zodlame lwasekhaya futhi kwacutshungulwa kwaphinde kwahlaziywa nezinqumo zenkantolo emacaleni odlame lwasekhaya edolobheni lase-Jimma, eNingizimu- Ntshonalanga Ethiopia, kanye nasedolobheni lase-Ranni, esifundeni sase-Kerala kwelase-India. Kwenziwa ucwaningo lwemibhalo olubanzi mayelana nodlame lwasekhaya olubhekiswe kwabesifazane e-India nase-Ethiopia, futhi kwahlaziywa nemibhalo equkethe imithetho yamazwe ngamazwe kanye nezivumelwano eziphathelene nokunqandwa kodlame olubhekiswe kwabesifazane kanye nemithetho ephuma phambili emhlabeni jikelele, eyisibonelo esihle, yokulwisana nodlame lwasekhaya. Imithetho yase-Ethiopia elawula udlame lwasekhaya yaqhathaniswa nemithetho efanayo kwelase-India. Kwahlonzwa ubunjalo, izimbangela, ububanzi kanye nokusabalala kodlame lwasekhaya kuwo womabili lawa mazwe. Okwatholwa wulolu cwaningo kubonisa amaphutha nokwahluleka okuhlukahlukene emithethweni elawula udlame lwasekhaya kulawa mazwe, okubangela ukuthi le mithetho iphule izinkambiso eziphuma phambili ezibekiwe emhlabeni jikelele eziyisibonelo emazweni amaningi. Kwatholakala futhi nokuthi imithetho iyodwa ayanele ekubhekaneni nodlame lwasekhaya, njengoba zikhona nezinye izinto eziphathelene nenhlalo kanye namasiko ezibandakanyekayo kulokhu. Kwahlonzwa isidingo sokuthi imithetho yenziwe ngcono kwelase-India nase- Ethiopia ukuze kubhekwane nodlame lwasekhaya ngendlela efanele. Ngakho-ke, kwaphakanyiswa amasu okungenelela, okuyiwona azosetshenziswa ekwakheni izinqubomgomo nokwenza izinguquko emithethweni yokulwisana nodlame lwasekhaya e-India nase-Ethiopia. Okokugcina, lolu cwaningo lufaka isandla emthamweni wolwazi olukhona njengamanje mayelana nokubhekana nodlame lwasekhaya kulawa mazwe. / Criminal and Procedural Law / D. Phil. (Criminal Justice)

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)

This study focuses on marital rape in Ethiopia in the context of international human rights law. Marital rape refers to rape committed against women by their lawful husbands. Like rape that is committed by strangers, marital rape has a severe impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of victims. Consequently, marital rape violates a range of human rights, such as the right to human dignity, right to bodily integrity, right to privacy, as well as the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Marital rape is recognised as one of the forms of violence against women under international human rights instruments ratified by Ethiopia. In addition, the Constitution of Ethiopia recognises the right to equality between women and men during marriage, and prohibits the enactment of laws and policies that discriminate against women. Studies have shown that the prevalence of marital rape is high in Ethiopia. Despite this fact, the Current Criminal Code of Ethiopia does not regard marital rape as a criminal offence and as a result there is no punishment on the part of perpetrators of this offence. Consequently, this gives husbands the license to rape their wives without any consequence. Owing to various socio-cultural factors, victims of marital rape in Ethiopia do not report these incidents to the police. The fact that there are no remedies under the criminal justice system, also discourages victims from reporting such incidents. This study, argues that by virtue of adopting human rights instruments at both the UN and AU level which prohibits violence against women, Ethiopia is under obligation to criminalize marital rape. South Africa is one of the few countries in Africa that criminalises marital rape. According to the 1993 Prevention of Family Violence Act, stipulates a man can be found guilty of raping his wife. Later on, the Act was amended by the Family Violence Act of 1998, which gives protection to victims of domestic violence. Despite the criminalisation of marital rape in South Africa, studies indicate that marital rape is still prevalent in the country owing to numerous socio-economic and cultural factors. Hence, from the experience of South Africa it can be understood that criminalizing marital rape alone is not enough to tackle the problem. / Public, Constitutional, and International Law / LLM

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)

This study focuses on marital rape in Ethiopia in the context of international human rights law. Marital rape refers to rape committed against women by their lawful husbands. Like rape that is committed by strangers, marital rape has a severe impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of victims. Consequently, marital rape violates a range of human rights, such as the right to human dignity, right to bodily integrity, right to privacy, as well as the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Marital rape is recognised as one of the forms of violence against women under international human rights instruments ratified by Ethiopia. In addition, the Constitution of Ethiopia recognises the right to equality between women and men during marriage, and prohibits the enactment of laws and policies that discriminate against women. Studies have shown that the prevalence of marital rape is high in Ethiopia. Despite this fact, the Current Criminal Code of Ethiopia does not regard marital rape as a criminal offence and as a result there is no punishment on the part of perpetrators of this offence. Consequently, this gives husbands the license to rape their wives without any consequence. Owing to various socio-cultural factors, victims of marital rape in Ethiopia do not report these incidents to the police. The fact that there are no remedies under the criminal justice system, also discourages victims from reporting such incidents. This study, argues that by virtue of adopting human rights instruments at both the UN and AU level which prohibits violence against women, Ethiopia is under obligation to criminalize marital rape. South Africa is one of the few countries in Africa that criminalises marital rape. According to the 1993 Prevention of Family Violence Act, stipulates a man can be found guilty of raping his wife. Later on, the Act was amended by the Family Violence Act of 1998, which gives protection to victims of domestic violence. Despite the criminalisation of marital rape in South Africa, studies indicate that marital rape is still prevalent in the country owing to numerous socio-economic and cultural factors. Hence, from the experience of South Africa it can be understood that criminalizing marital rape alone is not enough to tackle the problem. / Public, Constitutional, and International Law / LL. M.

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)

　　　1 January 2010 was a milestone for the survivors and victims of same-sex domestic violence in Hong Kong. After a hard fought legislative battle, the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance (DCRVO) was extended to cover cohabitation relationships irrespective of sexual orientation. 　　　With the inclusion of same-sex cohabitants in the legislation, gay survivors are provided the same legal protection as different sex couples. It is believed that equality has been achieved for gay victims, in theory at least. Indeed, the topic of same-sex domestic violence seemed to vanish from the public sphere as soon as the Ordinance was enacted. Nevertheless, considering the cultural and social obstacles experienced by gay victims of domestic violence, e.g. social perception of homosexuality and the fear of being ‘outed’ by reporting the incidents, coupled with a lack of supplementary support services available to people with alternative sexual orientations, it is uncertain how effective this amendment will be to Hong Kong sexual minorities in practice. Therefore, the primary research question for this thesis is to what extent the DCRVO is effective in protecting in practice. 　　　This research question will be answered by a combination of qualitative and quantitative empirical research methods. This paper focuses on three areas particularly - the awareness amongst the gay community in Hong Kong of the legislation; the availability of same-sex domestic violence support services; and the subsequent complementary policies provided by the government. This study argues that without adequate complementary policies, the DCRVO will always remain to be a piece of work in progress, and not the ultimate solution for gay victims in Hong Kong. / published_or_final_version / Law / Master / Master of Philosophy