The perceptions and experiences of African women in violent partner relationships : an exploratory study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This is an exploratory study on the perceptions and experiences of African women in violentpartner relationships.The study was conducted in two phases at Ilitha Community Psychological Centre at EzibeleniTownship near Queenstown. Since this is a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviewswere conducted with a sample of twenty women. In addition a focus group interview was alsoconducted with five women from the same site in order to gain a better insight into thephenomenon of violence in partner relationships.A literature review that focused on the existing literature concerning African women in violentpartner relationships was conducted. African women's perspectives on the experiences of abusewere explored, a gender perspective based on radical feminist views was discussed and ethnicsensitiveempowerment needs and the role of the social service practitioners were investigated.The findings suggest that many African women experience violence in partner relationships.They sustain physical, emotional and economic abuse. A patriarchal system, alcohol abuse,infidelity and failure to support the children financially have been cited as some of the reasons forabuse. Formal and informal social networks assisted these women to some extent.However, there is need for an ethnic-sensitive interdisciplinary training approach and a legalsystem that is accessible to rural women to prevent further battery.Various recommendations have been postulated. The study indicated a need for ethnic-sensitiveempowerment programmes for the abused women, rehabilitative programmes for these womenand for the abusers, and an effective legal system to curb violence in partner relationships.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University