Views On Gender-Based Violence And Femicide: Implications For Policy And Practice Interventions

Abstract

As an initial step toward developing a responsive and adequate service delivery to the victims of GBVF, this exploratory formative research was conducted to examine perspectives of GBVF among the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community members in the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) policing area. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used for a bigger study, to evaluate a comprehensive case-management intervention in the KZN. This paper offers only the results of a quantitative method. Descriptive research was followed to present the opinions of the respondents. A self-administered survey design was deemed appropriate as the strategy enhances honesty in responses, especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as GBVF. The sampling strategy amounted to the purposive selection of two police stations as a sample (n=131). The findings highlighted that the SAPS is gradually making inroads towards responding to the scourge of GBVF in the policing area. Concerning the seemingly slow response to perceptions of, and response to, reported cases, the findings indicated that the SAPS has introduced the use of technology to promptly respond to assist the victims of GBVF. This study was conducted in one province and findings cannot be generalized to the other eight provinces. There is a need for a paradigm shift to address past structural inequities that have created a climate conducive to violence against women (VAW), especially in rural settings. Based on the findings, there is a need for the two stations to be installed with a victim-friendly room where victims of those crimes should be assisted.