Investigating domestic violence against women in South Africa

Abstract

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence is increasingly being recognized as a problem that seems to be spiralling out of control. The causes of domestic violence have preoccupied scientists for several decades. The hypothesis that domestic violence might be biologically determined was significantly undermined by observations that its occurrence varies considerably between, as well as within, societies. The aim of this study was to add to the growing, but still rather fragmented, body of knowledge in South Africa on violence against women. This study seeks to analyze domestic violence from an angle whereby the data can be explored to find factors contributing to women experiencing domestic violence in South Africa. The objectives of this research are to measure the prevalence of physical, sexual and financial abuse and to identify a profile of women who have experienced domestic violence.