Exploring community perceptions on violence against women in Dan Village in Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Violence against women has been one of the critical concerns in South Africa. To stop violence against women we need to understand how the specific society views and perceives such violence. Then we can introduce effective and efficient strategy to tackle the problem. Literature reviews pointed out the nature of violence against women, the causes and the effects and also the communities’ perceptions on violence against women and the policies or strategies to reduce violence against violence. The study aimed at exploring local community perception on violence against women in Dan village. Qualitative study were conducted using individual interviews and focus group discussions with traditional leaders/ indunas, community policing forums, ward committees, civic organisations and community members of Dan village. A purposing sampling was used to obtain 11community leaders and 34 community representatives from the area. Qualitative content analysis technique was used to analyse the qualitative data collected. The findings revealed the increasing level of violence against women in the study area. The local leaders and authorities response to violence against women seems inadequate in the area. Violence in the area takes the form of physical, sexual, emotional and economical abuses on women. Violence against women committed by people who are very close to victims, including their husbands and family members. The study reveals that major causes of violence were jealousy and alcohol and drug abuse. It is recommended that rural women empowerment should be prioritised to equip them with education and skills, improved social and health facilities, access to micro-credits and job opportunities. It is further recommended that collaboration and networks among local actors needs to be strengthen to address alcohol and drug abuses, criminal gangsters and to create more awareness campaigns on violence against women.