Abstract
Problems in policing are commonly framed as institutional failures. This is frequently the case in the policing of domestic violence, where the limited ability of police to assist abuse victims is often reported to be a consequence of a lack of resources or inadequate training for police. This paper examines the challenges and limitations of policing domestic violence from a different angle. Reflecting on key findings from a qualitative study of local perceptions of and attitudes towards domestic violence in the South African township of Khayelitsha, we highlight the strong disciplinary influence of cultural norms and beliefs in shaping victims’ reluctance to involve police in cases of abuse. While our findings clearly underscore the limits of focusing on improved policing absent cultural change, we nuance and qualify this argument by identifying important exceptions from the norm and mapping gendered and intra-gender differences in participants’ concerns.
Highlights
The research found that prevailing social norms and beliefs in Khayelitsha prevent domestic violence victims from seeking help from the police and that, unless there is a change in social norms, it is unlikely that there will be an increase in the reporting of cases of domestic violence
We present empirical findings suggesting that prevailing social norms and beliefs in Khayelitsha prevent domestic violence victims from seeking help from the police
Most of the research participants maintained that involving the police in cases of domestic abuse is inappropriate because domestic abuse is a private issue
Summary
After substantial lobbying by local organisations, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille appointed the commission in August 2012 to investigate allegations of police inefficiencies and a breakdown in the relationship between the community and the police in Khayelitsha.[15] The commission was tasked with investigating all policing activities in the area, including the policing of domestic violence. This attention to domestic violence was unprecedented, as other South African commissions of inquiry focused on uncovering violent crime or events have either silenced or sidelined domestic violence and violence against women.[16]. The commission confirmed that there was a breakdown in the relationship between the community and the police, not enough was revealed about why so few victims in Khayelitsha chose to report cases of domestic abuse and to what extent the low rate of reporting could be explained by a lack of trust in the police.[19]
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