SYSTEMATIC OPPRESSION, A DRIVER OF IPV
“During apartheid, the country was subjected to systematic oppression, such as police brutality, slavery, and the denial of civil rights. Prolonged racial discrimination may have contributed to the abusive behaviour of some individuals.”
FACTORS PLAYING A ROLE IN IPV IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
HEGEMONIC GENDER DISCOURSES AND CULTURAL NORMS In South Africa, people have a strong belief in the traditional notion of patriarchy, rooted in their communities’ values, customs, and cultural norms. The culture of South Africa is still largely regarded as hierarchical and patriarchal. This is one of the main factors contributing to the high prevalence of intimate partner violence in rural communities. The concept of patriarchy refers to the imbalanced power between men and women in society. In traditional cultures, the male spouse is expected to provide for the family. In contrast, the female partner is expected to perform various roles, such as cooking and household chores.
ETHNICITY AND RACE
In rural communities, black women are more likely to experience abuse from their partners and from the larger society. The reactions of these
women, to being abused are influenced by the history of
oppression in South Africa. During apartheid, the country was subjected to systematic oppression, such as police brutality, slavery, and the denial of civil rights. Prolonged racial discrimination may have contributed to the abusive behaviour of some individuals. The racial history of our nation could therefore be ‘blamed’ for the actions of perpetrators, based on the criminal justice system's failure to address the historical issues. Women may also perceive intimate partner violence as insignificant compared to other factors that affect their economic survival.
“Intimate partner violence undermines women ’ s fundamental rights, it is a social and criminal problem that results in the death or disablement of victims.”
Dec 2022 | Collective Action Magazine
54
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