Abstract
This paper has looked at the gender role constructions of the formal support networks of women experiencing violence from men. The aim of the paper was to understand how the gender role constructions influenced the support networks’ responses to women seeking help after experiencing violence from men. The paper adopted a qualitative design with critical discourse analysis as the method of analysis. The findings broadly looked at the protector and provider roles for men and the caregiver role for women. The findings show that men continue to be associated with roles which reinforce ideas of masculine dominance and women continue to be seen as subservient to men. The implications for help seeking for women stemming out of these gender role constructions are discussed. Recommendations for developing culturally competent ways to contest problematic gender role constructions are also offered.
Ph.D. (Social Work)