Lived experiences and coping strategies of domestic violence survivors in Outapi, Omusati region, Namibia
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Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to ‘’Explore the lived experiences and coping strategies of
domestic violence from the perspective of female survivors in Outapi, Omusati Region,
Namibia.’’ The study sought answers to the following research questions (1) What are the
factors that contribute to domestic violence in Outapi, Omusati in Namibia? (2) What are
the impacts of domestic violence on the victims? (3) What coping strategies can be used
to address the impacts of domestic violence in Outapi, Omusati Region in Namibia? The
study adopted a qualitative research design. A sample of 15 women participants who are
domestic violence survivors were purposefully selected. Data was collected telephonically
after working hours because some participants were busy at work and it was during the
time of Covid-19 when social distance procedures were still in place. The study revealed
that there are numerous factors that contribute to domestic violence in relationships. The
key factors that were identified during the study were the issue of alcoholism and drug
abuse, unemployment and poverty, gender inequality, childhood exposure to domestic
violence, global recession and migration. Other sexual abuses when seeking for services
and employment were exposed during the study. The study also found that domestic
violence has serious effects on the health of the victim which range from mild to severe.
Victims sustain physical injuries, suffer psychological problems, women fail to reach their
potential due to fear of their abusers. Organisations fail to fully achieve their goals due to
absenteeism from employees as they solve their problems at home. Coping strategies were
also brought to the surface during the study. These included medical care, psychological
support, daily exercises, planning for the safety of the survivors and their children, denial
and avoidance
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in social work
Keywords
Gender based violence, Survivors of gender based violence, Domestic violence, Perpetrators, Coping strategies