3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Perceptions and experiences of police officers and social workers within saps when assisting women who survived sexual violence in Mamelodi, Pretoria(2023) Bahula, IkagengMany women are often reluctant to disclose cases of sexual violence to healthcare workers, police officers, family members etc. mainly due to the stigma attached. Few studies have been conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of different role players within South African Police Officers (SAPS) when assisting women who survived sexual violence. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of police officers and social workers within SAPS when assisting women who survived sexual violence. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, specifically a multiple case study design. The feminist poststructuralist theory was employed to guide the study. Three different interview guides were used as the research instrument. Individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used as the method of data collection. The sample size comprised twenty-five (25) different role players within SAPS in Mamelodi, Pretoria; five (5) client service centre police officers who work at both Mamelodi east and west police stations; ten (10) police officers who work in the special unit addressing sexual violence (FCS) at Mamelodi and ten (10) social workers who assist the survivors of sexual violence at both Mamelodi east and west police stations. The data gathered from the research were analysed using thematic analysis. The research showed that some participants perceived sexual violence in different ways. The study revealed that social workers, CSC police officers and police officers at FCS play different roles within SAPS. Participants portrayed that they encounter challenges in when handling cases of sexual violence for instance, lack of resources and support. Participants also complained of too much workload, trauma that comes with handling of sexual violence cases and that survivors withdraw the reported cases of sexual violence. Additionally, Participants reported that media and awareness campaigns encourages women to seek social work services. The study showed that some police officers are not aware of the strategies that exist with SAPS to address cases of sexual violence. Participants reported that they undergo certain trainings in order to equip themselves with knowledge on handling cases of sexual violence. This study may provide valuable insights into the experiences of police officers and social workers when handling cases of sexual violence as well as the strategies adopted by SAPS to address sexual violence cases in order to strengthen the support offered to women who are survivors of sexual violence.Item An exploration of social challenges encountered by learners in Mohlakeng Schools in Rand-west municipality in Gauteng province of South Africa.(2023) Mokoena, Prudence OnkarabileThere are countless social challenges in South African schools, such as poverty, violence, homeless, teen parenting, substance abuse, child abuse and youth suicide, which complicate learners’ efforts to learning. This study explored and described the social challenges that affect selected learners and their academic performance in Mohlakeng School in Rand-west municipality, Gauteng, South Africa. The study was positioned within an interpretivist paradigm using the qualitative research approach. The sample was fifteen (15) grade 11 and 12 learners from School in Mohlakeng and they were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured telephonic interviews via an interview guide and analysed using the thematic data analysis method. Key findings in relation to the social challenges that learners experience that have an impact on their academic performance included academic challenges at school and unpleasant home circumstances. In terms of the coping strategies that learners adopted, the study found that learners did not have the necessary resources to cope, while others adopted various coping mechanisms. The key findings in terms of the support needs of learners were that 8 out of 15 learners needed extra academic support, 2 out of 15 learners thought about future prospects to deal with their social challenges, while for one participant it was important to mend family relationships and receive support from family. In terms of support, 9 out of 15 learners received support from families, while the other six participants did not receive support. These findings have implications for social work practice, the department of education, policy formation as well as future research.Item Social work in the psychiatric unit of a general hospital. An analysis of function.(1964) Wolfsdorf, JoanThe score of the study encompasses primarily the day-to-day activities of the social worker with both patients and staff members. While the greater part of the dissertation will relate to this aspect of the work carried on, mention will be made in the latter part of the study to those functions which are regarded by Berkman as "facilitating" services to the patient, namely, teaching, supervision, recording, and community relations. Also, some attention will be paid to issues, as they arise, which are of special or controversial interest in the field.