Women's experiences and perceptions of domestic violence: The case of beneficiaries of Monica Gender Violence Solution Organisation in Windhoek, Namibia
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Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This was a qualitative study on women’s experiences and perceptions of domestic violence that was conducted with women from Monica Gender Violence Solution Organisation in Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia. It was a qualitative study, in depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 12 women using structured interviews. These in depth interviews were chosen because they can produce consistent data that can be compared across a number of respondents. The literature review focused on exploring and explaining the conceptual framework of domestic violence by discussing the different standpoints explaining women’s perceptions and experiences of domestic violence using the Liberal and Radical Feminist theoretical framework. Women’s perceptions and experiences of domestic violence were contextualised from an international level to the Namibian context to aid in understanding of domestic violence as a major societal problem. The findings suggest that women are still experiencing domestic violence resulting from barriers such as fear to seek help and lack of support by their family, community and organisations that render services. Factors such as alcohol and drug abuse, religious and spiritual perceptions, family and community response towards domestic violence were found to influence one’s desire to seek (or not to seek) professional help and services. Intersectional factors such as age, level of education, social class and ethnicity were found to be instrumental in impacting women’s experiences and perceptions of domestic violence. Various recommendations were made to offer solutions aimed at improving services of domestic violence organisations and to reduce domestic violence against women in Namibia. Furthermore, there is need for effective response to domestic violence through addressing the immediate practical needs of women experiencing abuse; providing long-term follow-up and assistance; grassroots primary prevention focused on children and focusing on changing those cultural norms, attitudes and legal provisions that promote the acceptance of and even encourage violence against women.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies)
Keywords
Domestic violence