The impact of seeking protection orders for severe violence on the lives of female survivors in South Africa
Ramsoomar, L Moretlo, M Mtimkulu, S.W Jewkes, R
Ramsoomar, L
Moretlo, M
Mtimkulu, S.W
Jewkes, R
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Abstract
Severe intimate partner violence (IPV) has an enduring impact on affected women. In South Africa, the two predominant routes for women experiencing severe IPV are social and legal services. Protection orders (POs) are a common legal route to prevent the recurrence of intimate partner violence. However, evidence on the effectiveness of POs is almost entirely from high-income countries, and little is known about its impact on women’s lives. This study aims to address a critical research gap among women who seek POs in South Africa by examining their severe violence experience/s, and the impact of obtaining a POs on their overall well-being.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 demographically diverse women recruited from a magistrate’s court in South Africa. Participants were at differing stages of the PO process. Findings: This study highlights the complex decision-making process in applying for a PO; experiences of severe violence; barriers to obtaining a PO. It shows that most PO -seeking women in South fear being killed by their intimate partner. Key precipitating factors to applying for a PO include: keeping themselves and children safe, obtaining justice, ending a life of violence and “starting over”. Conclusions and implications: Deciding to obtain a PO is complex and multi-faceted including “ a fear of being killed”. Women face personal, social and legal barriers in applying for, obtaining and finalizing POs against their IPs. Findings have important implications for health-care, legal practitioners, and key stakeholders in the social and criminal justice system.
Description
Paper presented at the European Conference on Domestic Violence, 11- 14 September 2023, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Date
2023-09-11