The significance of sheltering in the lives of four woman affected by abusive relationships
Date
2007-02-15T10:28:02Z
Authors
Wright, Ruth Isabelle
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Abstract
Domestic violence is recognized as a pervasive problem in South Africa. This study focused on
the narratives of four abused women and attempted to establish the significance of sheltering in
their lives. A qualitative research design was used based on semi-structured interviews and a
short follow-up questionnaire, which were analysed thematically. The findings supported past
research, indicating that the women’s experiences were very diverse, and they contained many
similar features to those reported in previous studies. Each of the four women was not a passive
victim, having taken the decision to leave an abusive and violent relationship. Sheltering
provided for these women the protected space necessary to move beyond, and in addition
provided structure and social support necessary to start to transcend the abuse. Sheltering was
found to fill in the gaps created by a society in transition, in which abuse and violence are often
tolerated or condoned within the existing social and family structures.
Description
Student Number : 9601703X -
MA research report -
School of Human and Community Development, Centre for Psychology -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
domestic violence, battered/abused woman, shelters, empowerment, agency