A qualitative exploration of the experience of Black women in violent relationships
- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2011-11-16
- Subjects: Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006458 , Abused women -- South Africa , Abused wives -- South Africa , Family violence -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: This study is a qualitative exploration of black women experiences in violent relationships. The study was conducted at Masimanyane Women Support Centre in East London. As a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted and a sample of ten abused women was utilized. A study of related literature has been made to focus on the existing literature concerning abuse on black women. Various theories have been explored, various feminist views were discussed and the existing legal system, nationally and internationally was looked into. The findings suggest that black women are abused by their partners. Alcohol abuse, failing to support the children and extra marital relationships have been cited as some of the reasons. Women in abusive relationships in this study sustained physical as well as emotional abuse. The professional networks assisted these women to some extent. However, there is an indication of a dire need for training, interdisciplinary approach and a legal system that prohibits further abuse by male partners. Various recommendations have been postulated. The researcher indicated that there is a need for empowering programs for the abused, rehabilitative program for the abuser, and an effective legal system to prevent further abuse on women.
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Implementation of Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa: a case study of two townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/192 , Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Description: 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.
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- Date Issued: 2008