The justification of domestic violence as a social problem Thabo Motshweni
Even though South Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, GBV is a prevalent problem of substantial concern in the country. Post- structural inequalities in South African communities, worsened by the history of apartheid, have created a climate for violence against women (VAW). GBV generally includes sexual, physical and psychological mistreatment from intimate partners and non- partners. GBV has been found to have adverse effects on women, including physical disability, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), sexual and reproductive health issues, mental disorders, and detrimental effects on the health and well-being of children. The justification of domestic violence is explored as, conceptually, perceptions of whether this type of violence is justified play an essential role in determining whether a perpetrator commits this act, if a victim reports this act, and whether or not a third party responds.
The most pervasive form of GBV in South Africa, which has been singled out, is domestic violence which has become a socioeconomic and socio- cultural crisis. Domestic violence refers to all forms of domestic abuse that are perpetrated by partners or ex-partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate women and men and are perpetrated against their will, including rape), mental and emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse), financial abuse (withholding money) and other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family and friends. Domestic violence is prevalent in societies with a lenient attitude towards perpetrators and where justification of violence against women is seen as a religious and cultural norm; and excessive use of alcohol and gun ownership are celebrated as markers of hegemonic masculinity. Men are more likely to justify domestic violence when their expectations of relationships are more traditional, non-egalitarian, and patriarchal. In patriarchal societies, the male spouse has legal dependents in the forms of wives and children (he is expected to be the provider of food and security). When men are deprived of this role by losing their jobs, those with abusive tendencies exert control over their partners by using violence.
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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